A SCHOOL which achieved academy status two years ago has been judged to be “outstanding” in every category by inspectors.

Samuel Ward Academy in Haverhill, which underwent an Ofsted inspection two weeks ago, was found to be outstanding in the following areas: overall effectiveness, achievement of pupils, quality of teaching, behaviour and safety of pupils and leadership and management.

Principal Howard Lay said: “This is a fantastic achievement and I would like to thank pupils, staff and parents.

“It is thoroughly deserved and places Samuel Ward at the forefront of schools nationally.

“The Secretary of State for Education has made it clear that only about 4 in 100 schools will achieve outstanding under this new framework so we are delighted to have been one of the first.

“Pupils have achieved some of the highest outcomes at both A-Level and GCSE within Suffolk and with the huge progress being made by the new year seven and eight pupils the success is set to continue. Inspectors were not only impressed by the academic success of the pupils but also their confidence and maturity which will help them progress into careers or higher education.

“This is also a significant success for the area and will enable Samuel Ward to take advantage of even more opportunities at both national and international level.”

Samuel Ward became the first school in the area to achieve academy status. Academies are funded directly by the Government, not the local education authority.