A SOMERSET school has been rated 'good' in all areas of an inspection - four years after being judged 'inadequate'.

An Ofsted report says pupils are "happy and safe", "polite" and "thrive" at Sexey's School, Bruton.

Staff have high expectations and believe all pupils can succeed.

Leaders work to improve Sexey's and have "an ambitious vision for the curriculum".

The report adds: "Consequently, pupils learn more, remember more and can do more. (They) acquire new knowledge with relative ease as the curriculum has given them a secure grounding on which to build.”

It says: "Pupils respond well to the teaching they receive and have positive attitudes to their education.”

The English baccalaureate is “at the heart of the school’s academically rigorous curriculum", there is a wide range of sixth form courses and reading is a central feature.

Pupils' personal development is at the heart of school life, careers education is "very effective" and Sexey's offers extensive extra-curricular activities.

The inspectors said: "The school has developed a strong culture of safeguarding.

"There are well established procedures to identify and help pupils at risk of harm."

The report concluded that the implementation of the curriculum is stronger in some areas than others and leaders should continue to improve the quality of the implementation of the curriculum for pupils with SEND.

Headteacher Helen Cullen praised her staff, adding: "To work relentlessly to move a school from 'serious weaknesses to good' in all categories whilst also juggling a pandemic with school closures affecting teaching and learning is no small achievement.

"My staff have shown an unrelenting commitment to school improvement and with a sense of determination to ensure we make Sexey’s School the very best it can be.”

She added: "We will reflect and move forward with even more determination and commitment to make Sexey’s School the school our children deserve.”

Chrysta Garnett, chief executive of the Quantock Education Trust, of which Sexey's is a member, said: "I am incredibly proud of our colleagues at Sexey's, who deserve to celebrate this fantastic Ofsted report. It is a testament to their perseverance and determination to deliver an exceptional education to every child within their school community, guided by the strong leadership of Helen Cullen and her team."

Chairman of the governors Malcolm Broad said:, "This Ofsted judgement is an outstanding achievement given the school was in special measures just a few years ago and is a tribute to the excellent leadership provided by Helen Cullen."