AFTER spending five years requiring improvement under Ofsted, St Gregory's Catholic High School has impressed inspectors with its strong sense of community.

The school has achieved a Good rating during its most recent inspection, with Ofsted inspectors praising students who are happy, confident and welcoming.

The report read: "This reflects the school vision, 'One family inspired to learn'.

"One pupil said: 'We are cared about as individuals but, because everyone cares, that makes us all one.'"

St Gregory's has had a rocky few years, dropping from an Outstanding to Inadequate Ofsted rating in 2013 and spending the past five years as Requires Improvement.

Since he began his role in 2016, head teacher Ed McGlinchey oversaw a number of changes at the school, including a £5.5 million project bringing 23 classrooms and improved facilities to the Cromwell Avenue site.

Speaking after receiving the latest Ofsted report, Ed said: "It's good for the children because they feel a sense of pride in their school.

"All the credit goes to the hard work of the staff and the pupils and the good partnership we have with the parents.

"They all deserve this outcome.

"It's been a brilliant journey and we now have a good platform to move forward."

The inspection was carried out under a new Ofsted framework which listens to what pupils have to say about their time in school.

The report highlighted that children with special needs or disabilities are well supported at St Gregory's and their differences are not seen as a hindrance to learning.

It read: "The special educational needs coordinator helps all staff to understand the best way to help these pupils during learning.

"Teachers have high expectations of these pupils."

Behaviour at the school has also improved considerably according to inspectors, with attendance rates above the national average.

Inspectors noted: "Some pupils in years seven and eight spend too much time in their English lessons reading their own books instead of working through the English curriculum."

This refers to a successful scheme St Gregory's had been using to improve literacy levels in pupils who may be behind.

Although this was showing positive results, the school have taken Ofsted's suggestion on board to perhaps host these sessions outside of lesson time.