THE Arnewood School in New Milton has been rated Good across the board with its sixth form praised as Outstanding.

Ofsted inspectors gave their verdicts after spending two days at the school in its first full inspection for five years.

In her report, lead inspector Susan Aykin, said: "Leaders and governors have worked hard to ensure that pupils receive a good education. The culture of learning has remained strong so that pupils engage well with their subjects and are motivated to achieve well."

But the report said more support is needed for disadvantaged pupils and that teachers should provide as much support for other subjects as they do for English and maths.

It said the school should also ensure pupils "understand the link between attendance and academic achievement."

Ms Aykin went on: "Leaders and staff have a strong moral purpose. They have high expectations for their pupils and work hard to ensure that the curriculum meets the needs of every single pupil."

The report praised the school’s curriculum as "broad, balanced and creative" and said it has a rich programme of extra-curricular learning, including music, art, drama and sport.

Teaching is good and provision for pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural education is strong, the report highlighted.

The quality of teaching in English and mathematics was singled out as a strength of the school.

Pupils were also praised by the inspectors as well behaved, caring and proud of their school.

The report also highlighted Arnewood’s collaborative role in the new Hampshire Safe partnership, saying the school is highly effective in addressing the dangers facing pupils beyond school.

Ofsted said the sixth form provision was outstanding, with students’ outcomes at A-level consistently above the national average and the quality of teaching excellent.

Head teacher, Nigel Pressnell, said: "Our aim is always to strive for excellence and have high aspirations for our students and this hard work by all the school’s staff has been recognised.

"I’m particularly pleased that our students have been praised for their behaviour, their caring natures and their diligence in all they do.

"Our sixth form’s results have consistently put us among the top providers and this official outstanding recognition is richly deserved."