A north Essex secondary school is celebrating a good rating from inspectors.

Manningtree High School had been rated as requiring improvement after its previous inspection.

But following a visit in December the school, in Colchester Road, Lawford, has now been lifted up into the next category.

Inspectors said that since the previous visit “leaders, managers and the governing body have successfully improved the quality of teaching and students’ achievement”.

They praised the improvement in results, said much of the teaching is good, and described the students as “strong advocates” of the school.

The report states students make good progress during their time at the school.

Deborah Hollister, headteacher, said: “Good once again is the best start to 2015 for Manningtree High School.

“We’re delighted that teaching, achievement, behaviour and leadership were all judged as good in our recent inspection.

“With the superb 2014 exam results, the evidence is clear that we are a good school.

“We’re so proud of the positive comments, especially those that compliment student contributions, praise their attitudes and reflect the very positive relationships in the school.

“‘Students feel safe’ in the school, have good attitudes to learning and are very polite to one another is something that every parent is happy to read about their school. These values have always been important at Manningtree, as has the good progress made by every student

“The strengths of teaching highlighted, such as high expectations, confirm the impact of 18 months of hard, focussed work by staff, students and governors. The impressive rises in GCSE results including top grades, especially in English, are highlighted in the report.

This good grade has given us all a real boost and the confidence to continuing improving – next step outstanding.”

To become outstanding inspectors recommend the school improve consistency of marking and feedback and challenge more-able students further.