THE headteacher of Bungay High School spoke of his pride this week after it was rated outstanding by Ofsted inspectors.

The school, which has 982 pupils and specialist science status, will become an academy on August 1 after its application was approved by the Department for Education.

Ofsted praised the school for its “outstanding curriculum” and said that students make excellent progress.

Headteacher Sean O’Neill spoke of his delight and thanked staff and students for their efforts.

“We are really proud of our achievements at Bungay,” he said.

“It was reassuring to note that the inspectors saw and confirmed that we are a happy and successful school that provides an outstanding curriculum which allows all students to achieve.

“I would like to pass on my personal thanks to the students who make the role of being a teacher such a rewarding one, to the staff for their unstinting and relentless endeavour in extracting the best from the students and to the parents and governors for the support and challenge they provide to keep us outstanding.”

In a report Bungay High was described as an outstanding school, which has continued to improve over the last few years.

“Students enjoy school very much and feel safe and very well cared for,” the document says.

“The outstanding curriculum, coupled with excellent support, provides a wide range of opportunities in this rural setting.

“Students use these opportunities very well and develop a variety of skills which prepare them extremely well for the next stage of their lives.

“Students make excellent progress, from their slightly lower than average starting points, because of the support they get and the extremely well-developed aspirational culture within the school.”

“Examination results show continuous improvement and, at Key Stage 4, are significantly above the national average. “Sixth form results dipped in 2010 but students’ attainment in lessons, and based on course work, shows a strongly improving picture.”

Inspectors said that teaching at the school is good, especially so in the sixth form.

“Inspectors observed many lessons with a very productive learning environment which students enjoy and value,” the report said.

“The school is a very well-integrated community which engages closely with the local community and has good links further afield, to provide excellent opportunities for students to contribute and develop.”

There was particular praise for Mr O’Neill and his team.

The report said: “The executive headteacher and his team provide outstanding leadership and, working well with staff and students, have improved the quality of provision, noticeably in terms of students’ achievement. Other measures to improve the quality of the teaching of English and mathematics have been very effective.”

Bungay mayor Angela Brook congratulated the school and praised the hard work of students, teachers and support staff. See this week’s letters page for her congratulatory message.