Inspectors found the Shirecliffe school, which is planning to become a city academy, to be good in all key areas, with GCSE results exceeding expectations and with aspects of leadership and management that were outstanding.

The report said that the students themselves were "the best advocates for this good school, showing their commitment to success through good attitudes to hard work".

Parents and carers were keen to support pupils and to learn new skills themselves. Issues singled out for improvement included standards in English and maths and attendance.

Headteacher Chris Mallaband said: "We are all over the moon at this report. It has come just at the right time for the school.

"We have been working so hard over the last two years and this report recognises the amazing changes that we have seen in achievement, attitude to learning and the enthusiasm of students. It validates everything that we have been doing and tells us very clearly to keep innovating, encouraging and taking risks."