STAFF and students at Lytchett Minster School are celebrating after receiving a glowing Ofsted report from education inspectors.

The school was rated 'good' overall following an inspection carried out in early May.

Head teacher Andrew Mead said: "The report highlights the great strengths of the school and recognises that we have the capacity to improve further.

"We know that we are on an upward trajectory, and we know what we have to do to become outstanding."

The Ofsted report commended the strong leadership of teaching, learning and assessment at the school.

In his letter to the head teacher, Ofsted inspector Andrew Lovett said: "Your leadership is successful combining the longstanding values and ethos of the school with raised expectations of pupil outcomes.

"Parents, pupils and staff are proud of the school's focus on what they refer to as 'developing the whole child'."

The report described pupils as good-humoured and friendly and noted students treated adults with respect and courtesy.

Chairman of governors Michael Rayner said: "This inspection result was well deserved and demonstrates the part that everyone involved in the school, pupils, staff, PTA, parents and carers and governors, have all helped towards obtaining a good Ofsted grade.

"The school is now in a strong position to build on what has been achieved in the last three years and can look forward to a positive future."

Five years ago the school's arts block was destroyed in a devastating fire, believed to have been caused by a lightning strike.

And in June 2000 a blaze started by a student gutted more than half the school, including the maths/science building, school hall and theatre.