Alfreton’s Christ the King Catholic Voluntary Academy is celebrating after being rated ‘good’ in all areas by Ofsted.

Inspectors gave the rating after visiting the Firs Avenue school in November.

It was the first time they had visited since the school became an academy and joined the St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust in 2018.

Christ the King Catholic Voluntary Academy shared a number of quotes from the report, which is yet to be published, when announcing the inspection outcome.

“Pupils love learning in this school. They are happy and they feel safe. They talk with clear enthusiasm about learning new knowledge. They behave well and respectfully.”

Inspectors praised the quality of education, positive relationships between pupils, the curriculum and behaviour.

“They (pupils) play happily and older pupils support younger pupils with their reading. Parents and carers are very positive about the school. They welcome the way the school makes them feel part of a community through their kindness and support.”

Ofsted also praised the academy’s leadership team – both for the curriculum they have organised and their ambition.

“They (staff) support each other well in striving for improvement. All staff and pupils live out the school mission ‘to be the best we can be’. The school is welcoming and inclusive. Staff work hard to ensure that this is a safe place in which to learn.”

Headteacher Megan Watts said: “We are incredibly pleased with the outcome of the inspection and with this report. We feel it reflects the hard work of all our children, staff and governors.

“The inspection has not only validated our journey so far, it has also supported us in continuing to shape our vision for the future of our school.

“We are excited to continue that journey as a school community.”

Kevin Gritton, chief executive of St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust, said: “We are delighted for everyone at Christ the King and it is fantastic to see that all of the hard work done to ensure that pupils receive the very best education has been recognised in the report.

“Congratulations and well done to everyone involved.”

You can read the full announcement by St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust here.