Pupils and staff at Exmouth Community College have cause for celebration after being praised by Ofsted inspectors.

The inspection team visited the college in July, and they have rated it as a ‘good’ school – the same as the previous inspection in 2009.

This is the first time the college has been inspected since it converted to become an academy, and inspectors graded pupils’ achievements, the quality of teaching, and leadership and management as ‘good’, and the behaviour and safety of pupils as ‘outstanding’.

In their report, the inspectors wrote: “Students’ behaviour is exemplary. The college is extremely harmonious; students from a wide range of backgrounds work very well together and show great respect for one another and for staff. Their attitudes to learning are also extremely positive.

“The principal provides the college with inspirational leadership. Senior leaders provide strong support for his vision and all are determined for the college to become outstanding.”

College principal Tony Alexander said: “I am naturally delighted with the inspectors’ report, that illustrates that the college is extremely harmonious, where much teaching is outstanding, students’ achievements are good, their attitude to learning is extremely positive and their behaviour is exemplary.

“I am thrilled to be identified as a good school, with outstanding features, where attendance is good, students’ attainment continues to rise and the commitment of staff is valued highly by students and parents.

“The report highlights the improvements made in the sixth form and gives us clear direction on how to continue to improve.

“I am really pleased that the dedication of my staff, the enthusiasm of the students and the support from the governing body have all been recognised in this very positive and uplifting report, which fills me with pride.”

Chair of governors Elizabeth Lee said: “I am thrilled and proud with the report, especially the very positive comments about leadership, the quality and commitments of the staff and the exemplary behaviour of the students.

“I feel the hard work and relentless focus on raising achievement had been accurately captured in the report, which I found extremely positive.”