A SCHOOL is celebrating yet another outstanding Ofsted report.

Gable Hall School in Southend Road, Corringham, achieved its fourth consecutive outstanding report.

The school is led by John King, who has gained a reputation as Thurrock's "superhead" after taking over at William Edwards School and Sports College, Grays.

He was also involved in the initial stages of the Ockendon School's resurgence.

The report praised Mr King and his staff for promoting a culture of high expectation and aspiration, underpinned by traditional values.

The report said: "This leads to the school equipping young people with excellent personal skills and consistently good qualifications. The school plays a vital role in raising the aspirations and building the success of the local community."

Also mentioned in the report was the school's approach to bullying.

It said: "Pupils told us they feel safe, and on the rare occasions, when bullying happens, it is dealt with swiftly and firmly."

The report also acknowledged the concerns of some parents over the impact of Mr King's work elsewhere.

The report said: "The effective management structure, together with the quality of professional dialogue with members of the senior team during the inspection, supports the school's confidence it can maintain the effectiveness of Gable Hall School, but the governing body will continue to monitor this on behalf of the parents."

Headteacher Mr King paid tribute to staff pupils, parents and governors.

He said: "We're absolutely delighted with the outcome of the report and enormous credit must go to the staff pupils, parents and governors. It's a great credit to them.

Pupils take over classes for a day

A school was taken over by its pupils to promote the importance of young people in society.

Older pupils at William Edwards School and Sports College, in Grays, took responsibility for teaching pupils in lower year groups.

They planned lessons, with help from the subject teachers. Headboy Alex Hardy shadowed headmaster John King. He said: "I fully support this scheme. It provides students with an excellent opportunity to experience at first hand how the school is run.

"Alex has already told me how to do a better job and he was only with me for 30 minutes!"

Many pupils said they now have a new respect for the teachers and realise just how difficult it is to teach.