A GIRLS' school has received a glowing report from Ofsted inspectors who said it has "improved impressively" and praised its "inclusive and rewarding culture."

GCSE results at Glenmoor Academy in Bournemouth meant it was rated as the top achieving school compared to similar secondary schools nationwide in 2017.

And a recent visit from a government inspection team highlighted many areas of improvement since it was judged to be Good in June 2015.

Although the overall rating has remained the same, inspectors said they plan to return to carry out a further examination, meaning it could be moved to the top rating of Outstanding.

In a letter to Principal Stuart Ingram, inspector Kathy Maddocks said: "You provide not only an outstanding standard of education but an inclusive and rewarding culture where pupils thrive and succeed.

"Pupils make significantly better progress than the national average in every subject that they study. Teaching in the school is strong."

She also had high praise for middle leaders and safeguarding arrangements as well as the way in which disadvantaged pupils, those with special educational needs and those who speak English as an additional language are treated.

The school's grammar stream, which has been in place since 2015, was also praised for the way in which it allows the most able pupils to excel. Mr Ingram was told: "These pupils are stretched and challenged well. They are enthusiastic about their studies and have an excellent rapport with their teachers."

Mr Ingram, who recently took over as Principal of both Glenmoor and Winton Academies, said the report was testament to the hard work and commitment of staff, students, parents and all those associated with the Academies”.

Executive Principal Ben Antell, last month shortlisted for the Pearson National Headteacher of the Year Award, added: "I am so proud of the journey Glenmoor Academy has been on over the last few years and delighted that this has been recognised by Ofsted. We look forward to a full inspection soon."