Following a two day inspection in March, Norton Hill Academy has been rated Good by Ofsted with a suggestion that it is very close to being rated Outstanding.

Starting the report, published today (May 19) inspectors write: There is enough evidence of improved performance to suggest that the school could be judged outstanding if we were to carry out a graded (section 5) inspection now.

There is much praise for the school, which has 1,851 pupils, 402 in the sixth form.

The report states: Leaders are ambitious for what pupils can achieve. Pupils, therefore, receive a high quality education. Pupils are proud to attend Norton Hill Academy. They feel safe and happy at school.

The report continues : Pupils follow a well-designed curriculum and benefit from a rich set of experiences. Subject leaders are experts in their field, and they have carefully planned what to teach and when.

There is only a small criticism, that a minority of parents feel that staff do not always communicate clearly with them about the school's support for their child. This can sometimes weaken the relationship between school and home. Leaders should ensure that parents receive regular and timely communication to allow them to support the school effectively.