STAFF and pupils at a secondary school in Yate are celebrating their first ever good Ofsted rating.

Inspectors found that Brimsham Green School had improved significantly since their last visit in 2009 and some teaching and the pastoral care on offer is now outstanding.

The report, which followed an unexpected inspection in December, makes Brimsham Green Yate’s most successful secondary school.

Lead inspector James McNeillie said: "Brimsham Green is a good school.

"Students’ achievements, the quality of teaching and the curriculum, and the effectiveness of leadership are all good.

"The care and support students receive are outstanding."

He added: "Since the previous inspection there have been a number of significant and sustained improvements: these are notably in the quality of teaching and the curriculum, the effectiveness of leadership and in the achivement of students, all of which means the school has a good capacity for sustained improvement."

Inspectors agreed that physically disabled children using the special needs resource centre, who come to Brimsham Green from across South Gloucestershire, are well intergrated with the rest of the school.

Mr McNeillie praised the school’s ‘inclusive and harmonious ethos’.

He said: "Differences between groups of students are embraced and celebrated. As a result, students with special educational needs and/or disabilities are fully integrated and feel part of the school community."

Attainment at the school was said to be improving quickly and although students in the sixth form are only making satisfactory progress, inspectors said they saw an improving picture. The school has been told to assess students’ understanding more and offer pupils more opportunities to become involved in their own learning.

Headteacher Alun Williams, who took over in 2008, was praised for his ‘sharp focus’ and for accurately identifying where the school needs improvement.

Mr Williams told the Gazette: "I am absolutely delighted with the report, it recognises all the hard work and effort from students and also the staff and parents.

"The report showed we are an inclusive school and proved that any youngster, regardless of who they are, will do well at Brimsham Green."

He said a new scheme which saw tutors phone all parents last September to discuss children's learning had bolstered relations with parents. He said parent forums which offered talks on subjects including the adolescent brain had also lead to an outstanding rating for the school’s engagement with parents.

Mr Williams added: "Big improvements have been made to the sixth form but we recognise it is an area we need to continue to focus on.

"I am expecting record results again this year so we are on course for an outstanding rating next time."