A 'SAFE' school in Halstead where pupils respect teachers and benefit from an "ambitious curriculum" has enjoyed a positive Ofsted report in its first under new guidelines.

Ramsey Academy, in Colne Road, received the report following a two-day inspection.

From September 2024, Ofsted no longer makes an overall effectiveness judgement in inspections of state-funded schools.

It is the school's first under the new system, meaning it did not receive an overall grading.

Previously rated good, it maintained good ratings in its quality of education, personal development and leadership and management.

The academy received a requires improvement for behaviour and attitudes.

The four-person inspection team said in the report: "At the Ramsey Academy, pupils like and respect their teachers.

"Staff provide strong support. This includes for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

"If pupils have any concerns, they feel confident telling staff. The school is a safe place.

"Recently, pupils have benefited from raised expectations of what they can achieve.

"They now learn an ambitious curriculum. Pupils produce high-quality work, such as beautiful artwork."

It added: "There is a broad and well-considered curriculum. Pupils learn the building blocks that they need to succeed, such as subject-specific terminology.

"The school reviewed the curriculum in response to poor results in national tests in 2023. Pupils are now doing well."

The report further said pupils "develop their reading well" and that the arrangements for safeguarding are "effective".

The inspectors also noted some areas for improvement.

The report reads: "Behaviour is inconsistent. The majority of the time, pupils behave well and focus in lessons.

"However, at times, there is noisy and unsettled behaviour. This frustrates pupils who want to learn."

It added how standards in the school "declined as it emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic", but that the school trust has "worked effectively with leaders to reverse this".

The report continued: "The school has established a strong vision for the quality of education. Where leaders have applied particular focus, such as the curriculum and attendance, the improvement is evident.

"In some areas, especially around behaviour, there is more to do."