DELIGHTED pupils and teachers are celebrating a glowing Ofsted report which rated their school “good”.

Inspectors paid a two-day visit to Belfairs Academy, in Leigh, last month and praised the school for its “purpose, vision and drive”.

The inspection team concluded most pupils were achieving well and made good progress recently.

Teaching and learning at the school, which has 1,310 pupils, were also said to be good in most lessons and some were described as outstanding.

The inspection report, which has just been released, said: “Where teaching is most effective, teachers create a positive atmosphere for learning.

“Students are encouraged to work well together and ask questions.

“Consequently, attitudes to learning are highly positive and enthusiasm is fostered; students are keen to participate and contribute.”

The inspectors also concluded “significant progress” had been made since principal Bev Williams took up her post last September.

The report said Mrs Williams offered “clear and visionary leadership” and was successfully leading Belfairs through a period of change.

Speaking after the report was published, Mrs Williams said: “We are very proud our academy has been recognised by Ofsted with such a great report.

“It clearly reflects all the hard work of an amazing body of staff and students, who all work as a team and who are proud of their academy.”

The inspection team added pupils showed “maturity and thoughtfulness beyond their years” and praised Belfairs as a “student-led school” with staff who know their pupils well.

Robin Marcus, chairman of governors, said: “I am delighted that Ofsted has recognised the hard work of the students and staff at Belfairs. It is now time to build on this excellent result and focus on our objective to become an outstanding academy, delivering outstanding teaching and learning to the young people of Leigh.”

The inspectors have asked the school to look at the way it challenges more able pupils and to address inconsistencies in marking and feedback. The report concluded recent changes in sixth form leadership at Belfairs had resulted in significant improvements in expectations and outcomes.

However, inspectors said they wanted more efforts to ensure students were on track to gain the highest grades at A-level and AS-level.