Mildenhall College Academy has retained its “good” status following an inspection from Ofsted, with students saying they are proud of the college and their achievements.

It prompted a positive response from principal Susan Byles who said she was “very pleased” with the latest ruling.

Inspectors Paul Wilson, Stefanie Lipinski Barltrop and Vivien Corrie-Wing visited the school, which currently has 1,062 students aged from 11 to 19, last month for a short inspection which was carried out since it was judged to be “good” in March 2015.

In their report, they said: “Pupils achieve well across a range of subjects in both the main school and the sixth form. The quality of teaching, learning and assessment is typically good and teachers have strong subject knowledge.

“They use this to plan sequences of learning that give pupils the opportunity to deepen their

knowledge and understanding and practise the application of subject skills.”

The report said that mathematics is a particular strength and pupils of all abilities can confidently use and apply their mathematical knowledge. There are regular checks on the progress that pupils are making, including those who attend alternative provision and staff are proud to work at the school and feel well supported by the leadership team.

“Pupils appreciate the broad curriculum that supports their academic and personal development well. The large majority of pupils who responded to Ofsted’s online survey feel that they get the right amount of information to help them to make informed choices about the next stage of their education, training or employment. They are proud of the school and their achievements.”

However, they said that there is a “small minority” of teachers who do not consistently plan activities that are appropriately challenging for pupils.

The college was congratulated for training on the risks of extremism and radicalisation and about issues that are becoming of growing concern in the local area.

The inspectors also had praise for the pupils’ behaviour saying it was good and added: “They arrive to lessons on time and ready to learn. They are polite, respectful and have positive attitudes

to learning.”

Mrs Byles, said the short inspection was to check that the college was maintaining its “good” status and if inspectors found something of immediate concern they would have to return within a six month to two-year period.

She added: “The report is very pleasing and they have recognised our strengths. It’s a very positive report and we are absolutely delighted.”