IT IS smiles all round for staff and pupils at The Bicester School as it bagged a ‘good’ rating from Ofsted.

The education watchdog undertook an inspection of the school off Queens Avenue earlier this month.

The school was rated ‘good’ across five of the six categories including the quality of teaching, learning and behaviour.

Inspectors also said: “Leaders have a good understanding of the school’s strengths and weaknesses. Their commitment and focus have led to rapid improvements in teaching, behaviour and progress and a better curriculum.”

The report also found pupils’ behaviour to be good and there was a calm and orderly conduct throughout the school.

Tony Rushworth, headteacher at The Bicester School said: “I am delighted with this Ofsted report, which is a strong testament to our hard working staff, pupils and very supportive parents.”

The positive rating comes after the last inspection in 2014 in which the school was praised for its impressive turnaround, securing a ‘good’ rating - a step up from previously being inadequate as Bicester Community College.

The school changed its name and became an academy in August 2015 under the sponsors Activate Learning.

David Dunne, chairman of board of governors said: “I am delighted at the Ofsted result achieved by The Bicester School.

“It is wonderful to see the progress made by the school over the past four years.”