Staff and pupils at Hardenhuish School in Chippenham are celebrating the publication of a glowing Ofsted report.

Inspectors praised the quality of teaching, inspirational leadership and excellent partnership with parents and the local community.

Headteacher Colin Smith said: "I am pleased they see us as a school that's part of the community that will live with me for a long time.

"I am also really pleased to see how well the sixth form came out."

An inspector's comment that Hardenhuish was a school to which they would like to send their children was a real tribute, said Mr Smith.

The report said that the overall effectiveness of the school is good with outstanding features. Standards in the main school are above average.

The school's main strengths are the headmaster's leadership, supported by key staff and governors.

Sixth form provision in the sciences was rated very good, and pupils benefit from a very good programme for personal development.

Provision for children with special educational needs, including the centre for specific learning difficulties, was described as very good.

Excellent partnerships with parents and the community were applauded and it was noted that parents have a very high opinion of the school and are very supportive.

The school has addressed key issues raised at the last inspection in April 1998.

The inspectors rated the overall effectiveness of the sixth form as good, with good teaching and learning.

The report also praised the school's commitment to inclusion,

especially an excellent work-related learning programme in Years 10 and 11 which includes a residential trip where youngsters enthusiastically tackle construction and motor maintenance.

A high-quality pastoral system and the school's commitment to providing an alternative curriculum for disaffected pupils were also praised.

"Pupils know that their views matter and are taken seriously by the school," the inspectors concluded.

The report highlights three main areas for improvement: the need for a more consistent approach to ICT; making sure that staff set targets for pupils and improving the sixth form enrichment programme.

Assistant headteacher Wayne Howells said the infrastructure is already in place to make sure the issues are tackled.

He said: "The children are very happy at school and that comes across very strongly."