A TILEHURST secondary school is on track to clinch the top rating from an education watchdog – less than two years after it was stamped as inadequate.

Ofsted rated Denefield School as ‘good’ following an unannounced inspection last month – a dramatic improvement from its previous report in December 2012.

Inspectors observed 37 lessons as well as speaking to senior managers, governors and students, and rated the school ‘good’ in every section of the report.

Lead inspector Graham Tuck highlighted how the gap between high and low-performing students is closing and wrote: “This is because governors and senior leaders share a common belief that barriers should not hamper a child’s achievement and progress.

“They have made excellent use of any additional funding to support students needing additional help.”

Headteacher Glyn Whiteford said: “We are especially pleased that the inspection report acknowledges the exceptional work that has gone into developing the quality of teaching.

“I would like to say a huge thank you to the staff, students and governors for all their hard work and commitment which enabled the inspectors to arrive at this judgment.

“Most importantly for me, the report confirms that our plans to become an outstanding school are on course and are based on firm foundations.”

The report recommended that for the Long Lane school to clinch an ‘outstanding’ rating, more work needed to be done to help students progress in certain sixth form subjects.

Chairwoman of governors Lorraine Doyle said: “We are extremely pleased to see that Ofsted inspectors have acknowledged the considerable efforts and dedication of our staff in improving the quality of education.

“I would also like to thank our students for their contribution to the inspection process and for engaging so enthusiastically with the inspection team.

“The governors and I are immensely proud of the school’s achievement and we shall continue in our drive to provide truly outstanding education for our community.”