A “marked improvement” in exam results and outcomes for students at Hinchingbrooke School in Huntingdon has been praised by inspectors.

Ofsted said that head teacher Andrew Goulding had “carefully steered” improvement and, following a visit by inspectors in April, the school was rated as ‘good’ in all areas.

Lead inspector Kim Pigram said in her report: “The quality of teaching has improved since the previous inspection and, where substantive staff are in post, is consistently good and often outstanding.

“Effective teaching enables most pupils to make good progress and achieve well. Teaching is particularly strong in English, mathematics and humanities subjects, as well as in music and art.”

There was praise, too, for the behaviour and safety of pupils and the standard of teaching in the school’s sixth form was also rated as ‘good’.

Ms Pirgram added: “The sixth form is good. It is well led, teaching is proficient

and the curriculum offers a range of opportunities to learners to prepare them for the next stage in their lives.”

School principal, Andrew Goulding, said: “I would like to thank staff, governors and students for their hard work in achieving these improvements. I would also like to thank parents for their support and work with the school.

“There is still more to do, if we are to achieve the ‘outstanding’ judgement that I know we can. Being recognised as ‘good across the board’ provides a welcome acknowledgement for everyone’s hard work and a great platform from which to achieve even higher standards.”

In order to make the jump from being ‘good’ to ‘outstanding’, Ofsted inspectors have called on the school to improve communication with parents, particularly in relation to concerns about achievement in science.

The school also needs to ensure that improvements in science and languages keep pace with other subjects.