OFSTED has praised Holsworthy Community College for the "significant improvements" it has made since the last inspection.

Four Ofsted inspectors recently visited the college and in their report concluded that it is "a good school."

In the inspection report it states: "There have been significant improvements made to all aspects of the college's life since the last inspection. Under the good leadership of the principal and his senior leadership team, the college has grasped the nettle of underachievement, particularly in English and mathematics, and has focused the work of the college on raising standards.

"The extra intervention support given to students to help them improve their literacy, and to a lesser extent their numeracy, has been well planned, delivered and managed; regular monitoring has shown a rising trend in standards and improved student achievement. Students are very aware of the effort the college makes. As one student remarked, 'They take interest, believe in you, and put the effort in on your behalf'."

The report said that the "progress students make over Years 7 to 9 is good" and the college "has been particularly successful in increasing the percentage of students achieving five or more A* to C grades including in English and mathematics.

Inspectors continued: "The college has met challenging targets over the last two years and its own tracking of progress of current students and the proven accuracy of their predictions indicate that challenging targets will continue to be met.

"Students' personal development and well-being are good. Students are polite, articulate and welcoming to visitors. Behaviour is good and students say they enjoy their time at the college. This enjoyment is certainly reflected in their good attendance.

"Students' support of each other is epitomised by the guided reading programme, which sees committed and well-trained older students working assiduously with younger ones.

"The care, guidance and support students receive are good. Students and staff enjoy good relationships and students' pastoral needs are well met.

"The college is using date effectively to set targets and the vast majority of students know exactly how well they are doing."

The report added: "Teaching and learning are good overall throughout the college.

"Good links with external agencies and other providers enhance the curriculum and the support students receive."

To improve further the school should "improve achievement in all subjects for higher attaining students.

"Develop students' understanding of cultures other than their own.

"Ensure that the existing good practice in assessment is shared so that all teachers are guiding students well on how to improve.

"Develop the monitoring of teaching so that it is ongoing and based on a shared understanding of how teaching and learning might be improved."