A SCHOOL in Westbrook has been praised for moving in the right direction by an education watchdog.

The staff at St Gregory's High School on Cromwell Avenue were described as a 'coherent team' while leaders and teachers were commended for the positive vision for the school.

This follows a visit by Ofsted inspectors, who have monitoring the school since it failed its inspection in December 2013 after it was graded as inadequate.

In the report, which can be read in full on the Ofsted website, improvements made by the school were highlighted by inspector David Selby.

He wrote: "The quality of teaching has improved. I saw students working hard in response to teachers using a variety of teaching approaches.

"The teachers had matched their work to the needs of their classes.

"The students I talked with felt that good teaching is one of the school’s strengths. Students’ enthusiasm and confidence in their teachers contributes to their good behaviour."

The governance was hailed as a strength as the governors have skills and experience that are well-matched to the school’s needs.

It was also noted that there is frequent training taking place to allow teachers to develop their skills.

Students’ books show that marking has improved although inconsistency remains, the report read.

During the inspection, inspectors noticed that staff morale was good and that there is a determination by the team for improvements to continue rapidly.

Currently, the school is graded as requires improvement - the second lowest rating available to inspectors.

But head teacher Paul Heitzman is confident that the only way is up and he expects the school to return to the outstanding rating by summer 2016.

He said: "We are delighted by the contents of the report - particularly it's acknowledgement of the rapid improvements we are continuing to make."

He added that the school had been 'overwhelmed' by the support of the parents and that school was oversubscribed for year seven intake.