AMBITIOUS and passionate leadership has ensured that a secondary school remains strong in the eyes of the education watchdog.

Little Heath School retained its 'Good' Ofsted rating after welcoming inspectors to Tilehurst for the first time in nearly four years.

Under the guidance of David Ramsden, the school achieved excellent A-Level and GCSE results last summer, including a 100 per cent pass rate for Sixth Form students.

A previous visit to the school found that some pupils were not achieving in key subjects, with the children from disadvantaged backgrounds making weak progress.

However, inspectors noted that most children made progress in line with the national average, with further strides needed to help deprived students.

Addressing Mr Ramsden, the inspection report reads: "You provide energy, vision and clear leadership which is recognised and highly valued by pupils, staff and parents.

Reading Chronicle:

"Leaders and governors have ensured that the school has continued to focus on the areas identified for improvement at the previous inspection.

"The quality of teaching, learning and assessment is well led and managed. Senior leaders have ensured that teachers are provided with better information about individual pupil’s learning needs.

"Currently all pupils, including the disadvantaged, are making much stronger progress. There is more to be done, however, to ensure that disadvantaged pupils make progress in line with other pupils nationally."

Inspectors noted that more could be done to improve the variety of extra-curricular activities and ask all staff to demand a consistency of high standards across the school.

Ofsted last visited Little Heath in the summer of 2014 and was previously rated 'Good' in all areas. The latest inspection was carried out in February.

One parent said: "Little Heath School is excellent. I have nothing but praise for its staff and Mr Ramsden.

"My boys have thoroughly enjoyed their time there and both have thrived and excelled in their learning."

Another added: "Teachers all seem genuinely interested in what is best for my child."

Mr Ramsden explained: “This inspection outcome is for our students. Their passion, enthusiasm and pride at being part of the school community impressed inspectors and helped us to gain our good rating.

"It is a privilege to lead Little Heath and to work each day with staff, parents and governors to make sure that everyone has the best chance to reach their potential, inside and outside the classroom.

"I want to thank staff particularly for their efforts in making this happen. We continue to be aspirational for all our students and strive to provide the best education for them.”