A WICKFORD secondary school is one of the top 100 improving schools in the UK following strong exam results and a glowing Ofsted report.
Beauchamps High School made the list after the progress of its students moving from Key Stage 2 to GCSE improved.
This comes on top of record-breaking GSCE results last summer and a successful interim Ofsted inspection.
Education minister David Laws wrote to the school to congratulate staff, governors and students for their hard work in continuing the drive towards a higher standard of education.
Last year, 74 per cent of pupils at the school achieved five GCSEs graded A* to C, including English and Maths.
Head teacher Bob Hodges told the Gazette: "The letter came out of the blue and we were very proud to receive such excellent news.
"It was a nice touch that David Laws had signed the letter himself – it made the news all the more meaningful."
The school, located in Beauchamps Drive, received a second letter earlier this month following an interim Ofsted inspection.
The letter, from Sir Michael Wilshaw, Her Majesty's Chief Inspector, informed them that the assessment showed "sustained high performance".
As a consequence, the school will not be subjected to a full Ofsted inspection any earlier than summer next year.
Mr Hodges said: "It is a testimony to, and recognition of, all the hard work of our staff, governors and students, and the support the school receives from parents.
"It shows that the close monitoring and tracking of every student carried out by the school has a positive impact on the outcomes for the students."
He added: "The school was highly gratified to receive such excellent news from Sir Michael Wilshaw and David Laws.
"We received the two letters in consecutive weeks and it was absolutely superb to be able to tell the staff and pupils of our success.
"The news has created further buzz and engagement amongst our team."
The school is now preparing for its half-term plans, which include a visit to Vienna in Austria for the psychology students.
