The headteacher of Thomas Gainsborough School has spoken of his pride after Ofsted inspectors paid a glowing tribute to the “exemplary” behaviour of pupils.

In what was the first inspection since the school changed its name in 2013, Ofsted highlighted TGS’ “highly aspirational vision” and rated the school ‘Good’ with an ‘Outstanding’ for personal development, behaviour and welfare.

School leaders also came in for praise, in terms of how they cared for students and in ensuring the young minds are “exceptionally well prepared” for their next steps in education and employment.

The report said: “Leaders and governors are ambitious for pupils [who] speak positively about their experiences and about the quality of education they receive.

“Pupils’ highly positive attitudes to learning strongly support the progress they make across the school.

“Teachers underpin the work they do by creating positive working relationships with pupils. The mutually respectful environment this creates is highly conducive to learning.”

Headteacher Wayne Lloyd said the Ofsted report was a reflection of collective hard work and commitment.

Mr Lloyd said: “We are all very pleased with this report which recognises the progress the school has made in recent years.

“We are delighted to be recognised as a good school with outstanding features. It is testimony to the hard work of everyone involved with the school - staff, governors, parents and our fantastic students.

“However, we are in no way resting on our laurels. We will carry on working to improve further, ensuring that that the school goes from strength to strength.”

The recent Ofsted inspection also praised education in the school’s sixth form and the emphasis on those with either special educational needs or learning disadvantages.

The report said: “Additional funding for pupils who have special educational needs and/or disabilities is well used. These pupils make accelerated progress across the curriculum.

“Leaders remove the barriers to learning [that] disadvantaged pupils face. This significant group makes progress similar to that of other pupils nationally.”

Dr Tim Coulson, chief executive of the Samuel Ward Academy Trust, of which Thomas Gainsborough School is a part of, said: “The Ofsted report backs up that Thomas Gainsborough is one of the leading schools in the Trust and indeed across Suffolk.

“I would like to congratulate everyone for all the great work that has led to the accolades in this report.”