A HEADTEACHER has praised students and staff after a school received a ‘good’ Ofsted rating.

Harwich and Dovercourt High School headteacher Kate Finch believes the town has “the school it deserves” after inspectors praised the strong curriculum and collective purpose among staff.

Mrs Finch said she was delighted that the hard work of everyone involved at the school had been acknowledged.

“We are not surprised by the inspection because everyone has worked so hard over the last few years to get this recognition,” said Mrs Finch.

“I am pleased for the students and proud of all the hard work of our staff.

"I am also delighted for the town to have a secondary school that it deserves.

"It is certainly a very different school than the one our parents went to.

Harwich and Manningtree Standard:

Good - Harwich and Dovercourt High School

The Ofsted report paid tribute to the “safe and friendly” environment of the school and said strong curriculum planning was an “inherent feature”.

It continued: “There is a collective purpose among all staff to make the school the best it can be.”

Mrs Finch said she was particularly pleased that inspectors paid tribute to the school’s “strong safeguarding culture”.

She explained: “In the world our young people live in, it is even more important that we understand all the potential risks and this is of utmost importance to all our staff, especially post-lockdown.

“I was also pleased the inspection praised the fact that we are a ‘reading school’.

"This is not something we just say, we recognise how reading can be life-changing and help our young people live a long, happy and prosperous life.”

The report also praised the support students receive when choosing their academic and vocational subjects as well as benefitting from an “effective careers curriculum”.

The report added: “Pupils from Year 8 to the sixth form are given clear, independent careers advice and guidance.

“The school ensures pupils know about the wide range of next step options available in the local area, including their own sixth form.

“Students who stay on in the small sixth form are well supported. They access a

range of courses that are suited to their needs.

“After leaving the school, very few pupils are not in education, employment or training.”

The school in Hall Lane, Harwich, was inspected by Ofsted over two days in September