A school given a ‘good’ rating by Ofsted has vowed to strive to make improvements in order to secure an ‘outstanding’ award next time.

Heathcote School and Science College in Normanton Park, Chingford, was praised for its strong safeguarding principles which create an environment in which “bullying is rare”.

Inspectors who visited for a two-day inspection in September said the school’s performance in all five categories was ‘good’, the second highest rating offered by the education watchdog.

Headteacher Emma Hillman was praised for developing “a culture in which staff and pupils have high expectations of themselves and others”.

Ms Hillman said a number of new systems have been introduced this term to target “low level disruption” in the classroom and inspectors recommended these be monitored for effectiveness.

Ms Hillman said: “Behaviour is our key focus and the reason for that is so that the learning and the teaching in the classroom is the best that it can be.

“We are trying to move on from lecture-style teaching and encourage independent learning so that students challenge themselves.

“Heathcote is a school that is absolutely on the up and is the place to be.

“We have the potential to be one of the best schools in the borough. We are nobody’s poor neighbour.”

The report published on Friday, October 26, noted that the progress of disadvantaged students is in line with their peers.

This year’s GCSE results indicates students’ attainment is in line with the national average and has improved from previous years.

The quality of teaching was found to be “good” but inspectors noted there was a “degree of inconsistency across the school” and “weaker practice” in some subjects.

A few teachers were found to not challenge the most able learners which leads to some not making the progress they are capable of.

Inspectors recommended improvements such as raising students’ attendance, which is below the national average, and ensure consistency across all key stages.

Ms Hillman said the school is in the process of setting up a parents’ council to engage with parents about how they can play their part in improving students’ attendance levels.

Heathcote was rated ‘good’ in its last three inspections.