An East Hampshire school is celebrating after receiving an Ofsted report that highlights significant progress and an exceptional performance.

Horndean Technology College (HTC), underwent a rigorous inspection process in November and has been awarded two ‘Outstanding’ grades and two ‘Good’ grades under the new Ofsted inspection framework.

Inspectors commended the College for its outstanding “leadership and management” and “personal development”. It was also acknowledged for its inclusive culture and for demonstrating a remarkable improvement in student outcomes in recent years.

Headteacher Julie Summerfield said: “The students, the staff and the parents are all part of the successful Ofsted report.

“The recognition of our two ‘Outstanding’ grades in leadership and management and personal development is particularly gratifying, as it highlights the values and ethos that are at the very heart of our College.

“It is good to celebrate the positives and what our young people are achieving and we will continue to do that because effectively we want that excellence. We will not rest and become complacent following this report and will continue to push on further and be innovative with our education offer for the benefit of all our learners.”

Inspectors noted that students are “very proud of their school”, are “highly respectful of each other” and they “feel safe and happy at school”.

The Headteacher and Senior Leadership Team were also praised for fostering a culture of excellence, ensuring that all students are given the support they need to succeed and achieve excellence.

Ofsted highlighted the College’s commitment to both academic and personal development, stating “education is highly personalised”. Students benefit from a broad and engaging curriculum which is both ‘innovative and flexible’ and designed to prepare students for life beyond Year 11.

The report was recently acknowledged by the director of children’s services at Hampshire Council, Stuart Ashley.

In his letter to Ms Summerfield, he said: “The strong leadership and practice that has been evidenced by the recent Ofsted inspection in which Horndean Technology College improved from a good to an outstanding Ofsted rating in both Personal development and Leadership and management, whilst retaining good gradings in all other categories.

“I am aware that it is not at all easy to achieve an outstanding Ofsted grade against any areas of the current framework and is a mark of consistent excellence.”

The ‘Good’ grades for quality of education and behaviour and attitudes reflected the College’s ongoing commitment to nurturing an “atmosphere which is calm with strong, positive relationships between pupils and staff”.

Inspectors noted that “lessons are engaging” and students “with Special Educational Needs and /or disabilities (SEND) flourish”. They also acknowledged that a ‘focussed and sustained effort to rapidly improve aspects of teaching and learning has successfully raised standards across the school’.

In addition, HTC has made significant strides in improving attainment levels, with strong results across both GCSE and equivalent examinations.

Ms Summerfield added: “We are committed to continuing our journey of achieving excellence and ensuring that every student can achieve and be the best version of themselves.”