A SECONDARY school has been declared "good" by education inspectors.

Ofsted inspectors visited Norton College last month to met students, teachers, senior leaders and governors, and analysed more than 240 questionnaires from staff, parents and students.

The inspectors acknowledged the progress the college has made since its last inspection in 2013 and confirmed the school continues to provide a "good" education.

Head teacher Phil Loftus said: “We – governors, staff and myself - are very pleased indeed with the inspectors’ judgement. We have a belief in brilliance for the children who come to Norton College and this has been borne out in the Ofsted report."

Inspectors highlighted the culture of high expectations that the college has built on over the last four years. They said that school leaders had firmly established a culture of ASPIRE (based on its own set of ASPIRE values) where students are clear about the high expectations teachers, support staff and leaders have for them.

The inspectors said there was highly-effective leadership at all levels, staff are supported to improve their teaching and learning skills, and children are happy and safe.

Students say that bullying is rare and is dealt with if it does happen.

The inspectors were particularly impressed with the sixth form provision at Norton College, where it found there was a good range of academic and vocational subjects, achievement was strong in all areas and students were very well prepared for the world of work.

Mr Loftus said: “They came to our school and found a culture that is unequivocally aspirational, where teachers teach well and where the children and young people are happy.

“Good results follow. Norton College is a high achieving, happy, safe and secure place to learn, with a lot of local support.

“We are embedded in our community, although some children choose to travel a long way too, to study here. We had a fantastic response from parents wanting to tell the inspectors just how much they value their school.”