EDUCATION watchdogs have praised a catholic school for demonstrating 'typically superb' behaviour following a recent Ofsted inspection.

Blessed Hugh Faringdon in Southcote retained a 'Good' rating after an inspection in September, which praised the overall effectiveness and quality of leadership and teaching.

Inspector Caroline Walshe highlighted the school's efforts to replace teachers who had been at the school for many years and said the school had the appropriate level of staff to achieve the desired outcomes.

She said: "You have restructured your school teams to make teaching and learning a priority for all staff.

"This has made a real difference because you have identified clearly why further improvements need to be made and how these are going to have an impact on pupils’ outcomes.

"Your open, honest and inclusive approach to leadership means staff now have clear roles and responsibilities.

"They now have a much clearer understanding of what makes great teaching and effective feedback to pupils and what outcomes they need to achieve for pupils with different starting points."

The school's last inspection in November 2012 identified the need to improve the consistency and quality of teaching by ensuring that teachers planned lessons to match pupil's abilities.

Dr Simon Uttley, headmaster of Blessed Hugh Faringdon, added: "In a climate where schools are increasingly being asked to see children as ‘data’ rather than people it is a privilege to lead an exceptional group of staff and students whose commitment to children’s success and well-being is exemplary."

Alok Sharma, MP for Reading West, praised the school's attitude towards teaching and caring for each student.

He added: "I have always been impressed with the students when I visited the school and all credit to headteacher Simon Uttley and his team for not just emphasising academic achievement but also instilling caring values.

"The whole of the Hugh Farringdon family, pupils, parents and teachers, can be very proud of the continuing positive progress at the school."

The oversubscribed school was singled out by inspectors for ‘respect, dignity and equality of opportunity’ as well as being a safe and happy school where children are ‘well cared for’.