HARWICH and Dovercourt High School has been rated Good by watchdogs for the first time in its history.

Following an inspection, Ofsted released a report praising many aspects of the school, from leadership down to pupil development.

The report said that since the previous inspection in 2014, pupil progress had “improved sharply.”

It added: “Since the previous inspection, the new headteacher’ s vision and leadership have empowe red leaders throughout the school.

“Rapid and effective actions are now tak en to meet pupils’ needs.

“Governors’ decisive action to improve leadership at all levels has led to an increased focus on teaching and learning.

“As a result, pupil progress has improved sharply.”

Effectiveness of leadership, quality of teaching, personal development and outcomes for pupils were all graded as Good.

But inspectors said the school needed to improve the quality of education in the sixth-form.

Headteacher Rob Garrett said: “I understand from colleagues that in the proud history of Harwich and Dovercourt High School, it has never been acknowledged as a ‘good’ school.

“The report is a culmination of the input and work of many professionals wh o are still with the school and those who have moved on.”

He added: “I would like to add my personal thanks to all those colleagues who have made this judgment possible .

“Parents, students and the community of Harwich now have a good school.”

Mr Garrett took over at the school in August 2014 and vowed to improve its Ofsted rating.

The school was told it “required improvement” after an inspection in 2014.