A PETERSFIELD school is well on its way to being outstanding, says Ofsted after a short inspection last month.

The Petersfield School (TPS) has been rated as ‘good’ since 2014, and the ‘outstanding’ recommendation should be confirmed after a full inspection.

School Principal Mark Marande said: “We look forward to welcoming Ofsted again, when we hope that the many outstanding qualities of the school will be further confirmed.”

The school in Cranford Road gained the highest outcome under the one-day inspection, during which sufficient evidence of ‘outstanding’ practice was noted by the inspectors.

They also said it was “improving towards being outstanding,” and praised its “strong practice.”

A longer inspection will now take place, and if the inspectors are again impressed, its rating will become ‘outstanding.’

Mr Marande was appointed two years ago, and inspectors commended him on raising expectations, and said student progress had sharply accelerated.

They also praised a “substantial increase in pupil progress in all years,” with the strong 2017 exam results being “convincingly above average in most curriculum areas.”

TPS is part of the high-performing Bohunt Education Trust (BET) and the report also highlighted how the partnership is “bringing new opportunities for pupils and staff.”

BET chief executive officer and Bohunt School head teacher Neil Strowger said: “We are thrilled that the continued success of TPS is recognised in this stellar report, which is a tribute to the commitment, passion and hard work of students, staff and the whole school community.

“We look forward to working with TPS as it continues its journey to outstanding.”

Ofsted also said parents feel the school is well led and would recommend it, with many saying their children have “thrived in its warm, caring and supportive atmosphere.”

Inspectors were also impressed with students’ conduct, noting it was exemplary.

TPS board of governors chairman Doctor Ben Francombe said: “The report is testament to the dedication and effort at the school and the governors are delighted that parents and students feel safe, challenged and well cared for.

“Mr Marande and his staff have done a superb job and joining Bohunt Education Trust two years ago lent the school invaluable support.”

The report also praised the strength of the school curriculum, which “ensures pupils are very well prepared for the next stage of their education,” and it noted that teachers demonstrated “a passion for their subjects,” while students’ “attitudes to learning are overwhelmingly positive.”