THE Blandford School has received an improved grade from government inspectors despite claims the top grades are harder to get than ever.

Ofsted judged it to be a good school, a step up from the last inspection when it was said to be satisfactory.

The school, which has 1,077 pupils between the ages of 11 and 18, was the subject of a thorough two-day inspection last month.

Inspectors praised the quality of teaching, behaviour and safety of children and the way in which the school is managed and led.

They said head teacher Sally Wilson’s “effective leadership” has been significant in promoting the improvements in recent years.

Mrs Wilson said she is pleased that inspections are now carried out with less than 24 hours warning.

“The inspectors saw the school as it is day in and day out. We have a wonderful group of students whom it is a real pleasure to spend time with.”

She said teaching and support staff have “worked incredibly hard for this outcome” and added: “Ofsted inspections have become more rigorous so to receive such a positive report and buck the trend of schools being downgraded is fabulous.”

Inspectors made suggestions for further improvements and said work is sometimes too easy for the students.

They also said students should be engaged more in independent learning and that more information was needed in the marking of work.