Ref 16052/5GAZETTE & HERALD: PROUD staff and pupils at Sheldon School say they are not surprised it has been named one of the top schools in the country following a recent Ofsted inspection.

It joins a handful of secondary schools to be praised as outstanding in three separate Ofsted reports and comes just months after being named among "the best of the best."

Headteacher Gerard MacMahon said: "For Sheldon, a comprehensive school which does not select pupils in any way, to have earned three commendations is an exceptional achievement."

The report, published on Friday, said students achieved well because of the high quality of education they received.

"Students' personal development is excellent, because of the opportunities they are given to think carefully on a range of issues and to take responsibility," it said.

"The school has high expectations of its students and they acquire very good skills to help them learn very well."

The sixth form, which has grown rapidly in recent years, was a focus of the inspection and was singled out for praise.

It also highlighted behaviour and attitudes in the school, its care and guidance for pupils and links with parents and the community.