AMBITIOUS leadership has helped one of the town's newest secondary schools to achieve success with the education watchdog.

Maiden Erlegh School in Reading opened in 2015 and received a 'Good' rating after the first inspection by Ofsted, which was carried out in June.

Part of the Maiden Erlegh Trust, the Crescent Road school was commended for showing an eagerness to improve the quality of teaching and provision for children from a range of backgrounds.

Andrew Johnson, head teacher, said: “This is a good news story for the children and families of East Reading.

"When we opened, our vision was for a local school delivering high-quality education for our local community.

"We are delighted that the inspection team have seen and experienced what we know to be true; that we have an ambitious, vibrant learning community with happy students and staff who have the very highest aspirations for them.”

Reading Chronicle:

The school was rated 'Good' in all areas of the inspection and particular credit was given to the vibrant ethos to learning, as well as the strength of safeguarding.

The inspection report reads: "The head teacher has established a successful, engaging learning community over the three years the school has been open.

"Ably supported by senior leaders, he has built on the tried and tested practice and policies of the Maiden Erlegh Trust to create an inclusive school which meets the needs of its pupils well.

"Progress made by disadvantaged pupils is similar to that made by other pupils with similar starting points."

As well as strong teaching in most areas, pupils demonstrated excellent knowledge and willingness to learn when they were observed by the inspectors.

Mary Davies, chief executive of the Maiden Erlegh Trust, added: “This is an impressive first Ofsted report for the new school and is testament to the work of all those involved in establishing the school, supporting it and, of course, working there.

"It is also testament to the students who demonstrated pride in themselves and the school and were able to show that their hard work and learning were embedded, and part and parcel of what they do every day.”