A headteacher has praised the attitude of his students after a Thetford high school was given a “satisfactory”, but “much-improved” rating by government inspectors.

A headteacher has praised the attitude of his students after a Thetford high school was given a “satisfactory”, but “much-improved” rating by government inspectors.

Two years after Rosemary Musker High School came out of special measures, the school is continuing to progress and has developed “several strengths”, according Ofsted inspectors.

Headteacher John Lucas spoke of his “delight” following the publication of the report and pledged to continue to build on the school's “strong foundation” for the future.

Five inspectors visited the Thetford high school last month to find that the overall standard of education was “satisfactory”, with many strengths, including students' outstanding progress in Key Stage 3, good care and support for pupils, improved curriculum, and good leadership and management.

Inspector John Mitcheson concluded that the school's capacity for further improvement was good and praised Mr Lucas, staff and governors for transforming the culture and ethos of Rosemary Musker with its 767 pupils and 61 sixth formers now “demonstrably proud of their school, feel valued, and are able to make progress.”

Mr Lucas said it was pleasing that the school was classed as “good” in 19 out of 26 judgements, and was already working to make further improvements, which will be supported by the start of its specialist technology status from September.

“Over the past few years, staff, governors and students have worked hard to develop a school of which we can be proud and it is clear that these developments are having a positive impact upon the lives of our students. This was made clear to the inspection team, who were particularly struck by the pride and confidence of our students who spoke about their school with maturity and honesty,” he said.

The school has been asked to improve Key Stage 4 achievement, increase the proportion of good or better lessons, and ensure that subject leaders are fully responsible and accountable for the standards achieved in the sixth form.

Lt Col Chris Taylor, chairman of the governing body at Rosemary Musker, added that the governors were “delighted” with the continued progress made under Mr Lucas' leadership over the last two years.