CHRISTMAS has come early for Ludlow School after education watchdogs released their findings.

The Ofsted inspectors were full of praise for the school following a visit earlier this year.

This follows the school getting its best results ever in the summer GCSE examinations.

Inspectors spent two days in the school at the end of September and found it to be ‘Good’ under all criteria.

It remarks upon the continued improvements that have been made at Ludlow School.

‘The determined leadership of the head teacher, ably supported by senior leaders, has led to improved teaching and better outputs for students over recent years.’

Governors are also singled out for the contribution that they have made to the improvements.

Inspectors also commented upon the good support that is provided to help lower attaining students to make good progress.

However, inspectors say that the gap between disadvantaged and other pupils needs to be closed.

It also says that in order to become outstanding results in subjects including science and geography need to be improved because they are not as good as in English and Mathematics.

The inspectors also found that the feedback provided to students by some teachers also left room for improvement.

But the report shows major improvements since 2013 when inspectors found that Ludlow School was in need of improvement.

Head teacher Phil Poulton has said that pupils, staff, governors and parents must take credit for the great progress that has been made.

However, he says that it is a step on the journey towards achieving outstanding status.

“We are very pleased to have moved to Good with Outstanding features in such a short time,” said Phil Poulton.

“The report is overwhelmingly positive and I am thrilled for the students, parents, staff and wider community, all of whom played a part in this success.

“Obviously, to be judged that teaching, learning, behaviour, results, outcomes, leadership and management are all Good is a real boost and an acknowledgement of the work that has been done by so many people. However, to have our personal development and safeguarding judged as Outstanding, is the icing on the cake!

“The Inspectors were obviously very pleased with what they saw in terms of teaching and leadership, but the most pleasing aspect, from my point of view, are the comments that the team made about our young people.

“They acknowledged that students are well-behaved, polite, respectful and keen to do well. They commented specifically about courtesy and I believe that it is partly due to the fact that students enjoy school and the relationships that are fostered.

But Phil Poulton said it is a case of work in progress.

“Our next challenge is to ensure that all students buy into the success, and that all subjects are as good as English and Maths, which were clearly outstanding,” he added.

“The team were also aware that Triple Science is well above national standards.

“This is a stepping stone towards becoming Outstanding.”