STAFF and students at Ellington School for Girls at Ramsgate are celebrating an outstanding report by Ofsted inspectors.

Head teacher Cathy Smith, whose leadership is described as excellent, said: "I am delighted with this report as it proves that Ellington is a good school that ensures all its pupils achieve their potential and operates in a caring and safe environment.

"Despite the aged building and poor facilities the staff and pupils have consistently achieved beyond expectation.

"Recently published data from Kent County Council shows that Ellington is in the top one per cent in the country when it comes to added value at Key Stage 3 and in the top 12 per cent for key Stage 4.

"Just imagine what we will be able to achieve when we move to our new building at Pysons Road between Ramsgate and Broadstairs in April 2007."

The inspectors judge the school to be very effective and say that students make outstanding progress.

Factors which contribute to the school’s success include small class sizes; a special curriculum for those with very low tandards or learning difficulties; regular monitoring of work so that underachievement is spotted early and tackled fast; very high quality care for students with many staff supporting their academic and emotional needs; an ethos of achievement which, while nurturing the whole pupil, makes it clear to pupils that they come to school to learn and are expected to aim high.

The inspectors say the school is vigilant in its efforts to forestall bullying and poor behaviour and to reduce absence.

Senior and middle managers are increasingly effective at monitoring what is happening and generating improvements, while the school gives "good value for money".

Students are said to develop good social skills because the school sets very high standards from day one in Year 7, while the senior mentoring programme is also praised.

Students have a realistic understanding of further education, qualifications, and the world of work. They support charities and have raised funds for the school’s specialist bid as well.

Pupils are fully aware of the importance of leading healthy lives in terms of diet and exercise. The quality and strength of teaching is highlighted as effective and supportive.