SIR JAMES Smith’s Community School in Camelford, a secondary school serving a wide area of North Cornwall, has been rated as ‘Good’ by Ofsted after a recent inspection with just a few points stopping the school from being rated as ‘Outstanding’.

Inspectors praised the school for its caring ethos, and noted: “Staff knew the academic and pastoral needs of each child very well. The positive climate for learning means the progress made by pupils exceeds that of their peers nationally.”

In 2015 Sir Jim’s was the top performing school in North Cornwall and second in the county. Ofsted states clearly “evidence shows that all groups of pupils are on track to sustain this trend of improvement.”

Sir Jim’s headteacher Jon Lawrence said: “I’m very proud to be headteacher of such a wonderful school with dedicated and highly professional staff prepared to go the extra mile for our children. I’m delighted that Ofsted has finally recognised the hard work that we all put in as a school community.

“Sir Jim’s may be a small school but we are big on ambition. Parents in the know have known for some time now that Sir Jim’s is going places which is why we are attracting so many new entrants.

“We pride ourselves on giving our pupils a great start in life, both academically and socially, and I’m particularly pleased that the Ofsted report noted the high levels of respect pupils show each other and that good behaviour is the norm.

“We’re very pleased with this report and will continue to work hard to raise standards and help every child who passes through our doors to achieve their full potential.”

Ruth Krolik, chair of governors, added: “This is great news for the local community and thoroughly well deserved. As a governor I have seen the school transformed over the past decade.

“I’m delighted that children at Sir Jim’s achieve so well. It’s a fantastic result to see the hard work put in by students, staff and governors being recognised by Ofsted.”