INSPECTORS have praised the "outstanding" features found at a Hampshire comprehensive school.

Priestlands School, Lyming-ton, has received a glowing report from the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted) following a two-day inspection carried out in March.

Ofsted's report says: "Priestlands is a good school with several outstanding features. The leaders and managers know the school well and the self-evaluation is accurate, clearly stating the strengths and areas for improvement.

Leadership

"The senior leadership team works well together and sets a clear direction. The head teacher involves all his staff in effective planning to meet the needs of all pupils.

"Support for students is good with a full range of measures in place to help pupils of all abilities and talents."

The report says GCSE results are well above average, having risen consistently over the past four years.

It adds: "The school sets high targets and for the past three years these have been achieved. The performance review system clearly links individual pupils' performance to teachers' accountability. The school analyses its results carefully and knows what it needs to do to be outstanding."

The report says personal development is good and attendance is in line with the national average. It adds: "Most pupils conduct themselves well and clearly enjoy school. Some parents are concerned about behaviour but the majority of pupils behave well in class and around the school.

"However, the school is aware that a few pupils do not behave properly and has put in place measures to bring about improvement.

"Pupils feel safe in school and say incidents of bullying are managed well."

The report praises head teacher Chris Willsher, saying he provides "outstanding personal leadership" in driving the school forward.

It adds: "Other members of the senior leadership team, heads of subjects and heads of years share the vision of a school geared to providing excellent opportunities for pupils to achieve well."

Clive Milone, chairman of governors, said: "We welcome this report, which we believe to be a largely accurate picture of the school.

"We're confident we can use its findings to help us become truly outstanding."