HIGH quality care and support are strengths of Archbishop Sancroft High School in Harleston, say Ofsted inspectors. They found it to be a good school where the vast majority of Year 11 students progress to sixth-form education and training.

HIGH quality care and support are strengths of Archbishop Sancroft High School in Harleston, say Ofsted inspectors.

They found it to be a good school where the vast majority of Year 11 students progress to sixth-form education and training.

Their report says its Christian ethos is reflected in the good quality care and support provided and the mutual care and respect shown by teachers and students.

In this environment, most students thrive and achieve well and make good progress, including those who find learning difficult.

Inspectors found the school makes the most of its resources to provide a good curriculum

that meets the needs of most learners.

However, a small minority of students, mainly boys, have not achieved what they were capable of in English because lessons do not stimulate and engage them and the monitoring of their progress is ineffective.

The report says the school is experiencing a period of transition following the appointment of a new headteacher.

In a short space of time, he has shared with staff his vision for the future of the school and has the full support of teachers and governors. He has also acted decisively to resolve some long-standing issues and prioritised plans to develop and improve the school further.

A significant number of students and parents commented favourably on the difference he has already made.

Inspectors say that overall,GCSE results have fluctuated in recent years, mainly due to inconsistencies in teaching and learning and because procedures to monitor how well students are achieving have lacked sufficient rigour.

However, in 2008, 71pc of Year 11 students achieved five or more A* to C grades, and almost half of them achieved five A* to Cs, including English and mathematics. This represents very good progression from Year 7 to Year 11 compared to other similar schools.

Students' personal development and well-being, including their spiritual, moral, social and cultural education is good.

Pupils told inspectors that they feel safe and valued and enthused about the wide range of enrichment activities on offer during lunch and after school.

Leadership and management at the school were deemed satisfactory.