Celebrations are in store after a school scored top marks.

The Sir John Colfox Academy, Bridport, has been rated 'good' across the board by Ofsted inspectors.

As well as an overall rating of 'good', the school's effectiveness of leadership and management; quality of teaching, learning and assessment; personal development, behaviour and welfare; outcomes for pupils and 16 to 19 study programmes were each rated as 'good' following a visit from the regulatory board.

The school's sixth form was particularly praised, with results in the top 10 per cent in the country for A-levels. Its partnership with Yeovil College to expand choice in the sixth form was singled out by inspectors as it 'enabled more learners to continue in education and has filled a much-needed gap in local provision.'

Inspectors found headteacher David Herbert is 'ambitious for the school; building on its strengths and rectifying any weaknesses swiftly.'

Lead inspector, Kathy Maddocks praised the ambition of the headteacher, as well as trustees and governors, which has resulted in good outcomes for students over several years.

The behaviour of pupils was judged to be good with pupils conducting themselves well. They quickly followed requests from staff so that learning flowed smoothly and without interruption.

Inspectors praised the curriculum of the school which ensures all groups of pupils, including the more able and those with SEND, achieve well in core and foundation subjects in Key Stage 3 and 4.

The report states the personal safety and wellbeing of pupils are 'secure' and students have opportunities to learn how to keep themselves safe and are confident and assured. 'They enjoy learning about how to stay healthy and about emotional and mental health, safe and positive relationships and how to prevent substance misuse,' inspectors said.

Careers education was seen as a strength of the school, with extra-curricular opportunities including sport, the arts and programmes which enable students to develop their reflective and collaborative skills through inter-house events, leadership opportunities like the Edge and competitions such as Youth Speaks.

Headteacher David Herbert said: “We are delighted with the report we have received and think it captures our school. It reflects very well on our students and in many ways it is their report, they are the ones who achieve the high standards. There is a lot of recognition in the report of the hard work of students and staff and this is richly deserved. I am very proud to lead such a committed group of people."

Colfox is a member of the Minerva Learning Trust and inspectors reported on the benefits to the school which come from being part of the larger body. In particular, transition between primary and secondary schools within the trust has been described as 'seamless'.

Executive principal of the Minerva Learning Trust, Kay Taylor, said: “This is a really pleasing report. It recognises what we do well but also gives us pointers for further improvement. It suggests we need to support middle leaders in their role more, make sure pupils understand what they need to do to improve, and review tutor time so that it supports spiritual, moral, social and cultural education more effectively as well as further embedding fundamental British values. But it strongly endorses, yet again, the quality of the education we offer the young people of Bridport."

Martin Stones, chairman of governors, added: “Anyone who knows the Sir John Colfox Academy will recognise it very clearly in this report. There has always been an emphasis on making sure students have a really good grounding which will prepare them for life after school. This means not just good academic results but also experiences and opportunities which help students grow. I have always been proud of how well the school supports and cares for their students and I am delighted this has been recognised here."