A SCHOOL where children are “keen to learn” and behave well is celebrating after retaining its “good” Ofsted rating.

Greensward Academy, in Hockley, has been praised by inspectors after the school’s first full inspection in a decade.

The school, part of the Academies Enterprise Trust, was praised for its “well thought out and ambitious curriculum”, as well as the “high expectations” it has for all students.

Inspectors found “almost all students are keen to learn” and that there is “little disruption in lessons”.

The inspection took place over two days on November 15 and 16 last year and the full report, seen by the Echo, is due to published this week.

Katie Scarnell, Principal at Greensward Academy, said: “I am absolutely delighted that Ofsted found our school to be doing so well.

“Our staff and students put so much effort in to make Greensward Academy a great place to learn and enjoy school and this is reflected in the report.

“This report is a credit to their hard work, and I am very proud to be leading such a fantastic school.”

The school and its sixth form provides education for 1,570 pupils and inspectors received positive feedback from the children they spoke to during the inspection.

Students say they feel safe at school and “appreciate the quality and quantity of support” for their wellbeing.

Students also highlight that at this school, it is “normal to be different”.

Prior to the inspection, which took place during the last term of 2023, the school had not had a full Oftsed inspection since 2014.

In order to improve further and achieve an “outstanding rating” inspectors the school has been advised to adapt the curriculum and the “specific support” provided to disadvantaged pupils.

Inspectors found “disadvantaged pupils do not always attend as well or achieve as highly as their peers”.

Johanna Thompson, regional education director for Academies Enterprise Trust said: “Mrs Scarnell, her team, and all the students should be really proud of all they have achieved at Greensward.