A HEADTEACHER has spoken of her pride for her school after achieving a good ofsted in the face of tougher criteria and judging.

Val Metcalf, of Harwich Community Primary, said it was a testiment to the staff that the school managed to retain its "good" rating from five years ago.

"It's got a lot harder, especially for schools like ours that serve deprived communities, to keep that good result," she said.

"It is particularly pleasing when so many schools are seen to be struggling in Tendring and in general along the east coast of England with the rising expectations from Ofsted.

"You only have to look at how many schools are getting a requires improvement rating.

"I have an excellent team of staff that I have to thank - in the old inspection we would probably be outstanding now."