A SCHOOL is celebrating after being rated outstanding by Ofsted inspectors.

Seaford Head school, which has 1,298 pupils, received a good rating when it was last inspected in 2010.

Now it has been named outstanding in all four major key areas assessed by the Ofsted team.

Headteacher Bob Ellis said he was very proud.

He said: “The outstanding grade is very rarely awarded and it’s my understanding that there are only three other secondary schools in East Sussex who have secured this.

“It’s a genuine privilege to be a part of this school and this judgment is no less than staff, students and governors deserve.

“As the headteacher I have the pleasure of visiting lessons across a range of subjects on a daily basis.

“I have never worked with such a highly skilled team of teachers who make learning so engaging and so much fun.

“We also have an outstanding team of support staff who make a huge contribution to the school and allow teachers to focus on delivering the highest quality lessons.

“The most important element of all of course is the student body and our pupils are consistently outstanding.

“They really are a credit to their schools and their families.”

Mr Ellis said teamwork has been key to the success.

He said: “Great schools are built on teamwork and we are very fortunate to be part of a community where everyone is pursuing the same goal – to secure the very best outcomes for the young people of Seaford.”

Chairman of governors Jon Dilley has two children who both attend Seaford Head.

He said: “I have always felt that the standard of education is outstanding.

“Not only is the quality of teaching and learning excellent, it’s the standard of care and pastoral support that is so impressive.

“I know there are some who grumble about how strict the school is but the staff just want the very best for them.

“We are very fortunate and should be grateful to have such an outstanding school in the town.”

Year 11 student Helena White spoke to the inspectors.

She said: “I was not nervous talking to inspectors as it gave me an opportunity to talk about how great my school is.

“Although we’re really proud of our academic excellence, we are also constantly reminded how important it is to have the right values and to be positive citizens who make a contribution to our community.

“I am involved in music at the school.”