A SCHOOL that was in special measures only four years ago has dug its way out of trouble to be named as "outstanding".
Humberston Academy has received the accolade following a report from Ofsted and staff have now vowed to stay at the top.
Brian Sarahan, the academy's executive principle – who took up the post in 2008 with the aim of making improvements – said this latest news is his biggest achievement to date.
He said: "Ofsted inspections are far more rigorous now since they made changes to their framework in September.
"We were not expecting an inspection for another two years, but they came unannounced and saw us as we would be any other day.
"To still get an outstanding report all across the board is unbelievable and a credit to everyone here."
Ofsted gave outstanding results to the academy in four separate categories.
These included:
Achievement of pupils.
Quality of teaching.
Behaviour and safety of pupils.
Leadership and management.
And now Mr Sarahan is confident enough to say Humberston Academy is the best school in North East Lincolnshire.
He also expects applications for new students to rise.
"We are already seeing more families from Louth and the surrounding villages applying for their children to study here – that was before we had announced our outstanding results," he said.
"I now expect to see application increase further.
"I could not have achieved this result on my own. I have 130 members of staff, 750 pupils, their parents and our governors to thank.
"Their continuous dedication to strive for perfection is paying off."
Now at the top, Mr Sarahan says work has already commenced to make sure they sustain this position.
Future plans include the refurbishment of current facilities at the academy, to make the school's appearance just as outstanding as its teaching.
He said: "We are working on our science block and hope to have this updated and refurbished by September.
"We are looking in the near future to seek planning permission and extend classrooms as well.
"In my view, this will never be a huge school and I can never see it having any more than 900 pupils.
"We are unique here, as I know all the pupils by name and they all know me. I have worked in bigger schools before and the relationship was not the same. I have always welcomed Ofsted inspections and I am glad inspectors turned up unannounced."
Editor's Comment WHAT great news for our local educational establishments this week – some really good Ofsted reports that show strides are being made in this area's ability to educate its children and prepare them for the world as they grow into adults. If we go back a decade the future looked less than bright as school standards were pitifully poor. Now though there are some really bright shoots as we see an increase in the exam pass rates and the improving inspection reports from a growing number of schools and centres. A good education, whether that be vocational or academic, is vital in the development of our young people – without it they are nothing. What are your memories of school, or if you are a parent now, what are your thoughts on your child's school and the teaching? Follow the editor on Twitter @michellelalor
