STAFF and students at Devizes School are celebrating receiving a good grading from Ofsted just weeks before headteacher Malcolm Irons retires.

It is the fourth time that the school has received a good grading in the 13 years that Mr Irons has been at the helm of the school.

Inspectors who visited the school in June found all areas of school life and teaching to be good. These included overall effectiveness, achievement of pupils, quality of teaching, leadership and management, behaviour and safety of students and the sixth form provision.

The report which was prepared after the inspectors spent two days at the school talking to staff and pupils and observing lessons said: "Teaching is good across the curriculum. Teachers use their strong subject knowledge to help students to increase their understanding and to make good progress.

"The promotion of students’ spiritual, moral social and cultural development is very strong. Relationships between all members of the school’s community are strong. The school is a calm and supportive place in which to learn.”

The Ofsted report also praised how well the school supports all students make the most of their talents. It said: "The school’s curriculum provides opportunities for students to study subjects which are well suited to their needs, aspirations and talents. Students are well prepared for the next steps in their education, training and employment."

Mr Irons was delighted with the findings. He said: "It is gratifying that the inspectors recognised the highly talented and thoroughly professional staff we have at Devizes School, the team work that we have at Devizes School that support me and ensure that these improvements will continue in the coming years.

"School inspections are getting tougher every year. Ofsted has raised the bar several times since our last inspection in February 2012 when we were also judged a good school. I am therefore delighted and proud that we have been judged to have improved again."

Chairman of the governors David Bousfield was also pleased with the findings. He said: "The report acknowledges the high quality of the teaching and leadership of the school and the impact it is having on raising achievement.

" I am particularly pleased for Mr Irons who has introduced many improvements over the last 13 years of his tenure as Headteacher. This is a fitting tribute to his achievements. "

Mr Irons retires at the end of this month when Sue Marshall takes over as acting head. She said: “I am incredibly proud of Devizes School and all that it stands for and achieves for the young people of Devizes. This report quite rightly recognises all the good work that takes place here. The students, parents and the community of Devizes deserve a good school and that is what they continue to have and will have in the future. Together we will continue to raise apirations and build futures at Devizes School."