A headteacher has received lavish praise after a visit by school inspectors.

Ofsted has found St Andrew’s Church of England Voluntary Controlled School in Marks Tey “continues to be good.”

The short inspection last month follows a previous ‘good’ rating, awarded in 2011.

Inspector Caroline Pardy wrote to headteacher Leila Berkeley and said: “Your passion for providing the best education for the pupils at St Andrews is shared by governors, senior leaders and staff.”

“You lead with a clear sense of purpose and warmth. The school provides a supportive learning environment where expectations are high. Pupils leave the school as confident and articulate children well prepared for secondary school.”

The report continued: “Pupils are happy and proud of their school. Classrooms are bright, stimulating environments where enthusiastic pupils are taught by teachers who know them well. Relationships within the classroom between adults and pupils are positive and respectful. Teachers plan interesting work that is well matched to pupil’s levels of ability.”

Ofsted also noted issues from the last inspection have been addressed and precise feedback enables them to improve. Staff also appreciate and fully engage in training and the head is ably supported by senior leaders and a fully qualified governing body. Safeguarding arrangements are effective and pupils feel safe at the school.

The inspectors recommended the school continues to challenge the pupils in maths and English to accelerate pupil’s progress and to make work in other subjects sufficiently demanding to deepen their knowledge and skills.

Headteacher Mrs Berkeley told the Gazette: “We are delighted the report acknowledges the school’s many strengths.”