A SCHOOL has improved significantly since its previous Ofsted inspection and no longer has serious weaknesses. Thomas Alleyne School in High Street, Stevenage, is celebrating the publication of its latest Ofsted Inspection report, following the visit of

A SCHOOL has "improved significantly" since its previous Ofsted inspection and no longer has serious weaknesses.

Thomas Alleyne School in High Street, Stevenage, is celebrating the publication of its latest Ofsted Inspection report, following the visit of a team of inspectors in March.

The inspectors' report stated: "The school's own view is that it is satisfactory overall and inspectors agree. The school has improved significantly, largely as a result of the very good leadership of the headteacher. It no longer has serious weaknesses. The most notable improvements have been in students' behaviour and the quality of teaching."

Headteacher Jonathan Block said: "This successful inspection is the result of two years hard work by our teachers and by our students.

"It justifies our decisions to set high standards for teaching and learning, and to demand high standards of behaviour.

"We know where we still have to make further improvements.

"This is an excellent inspection result for the Thomas Alleyne School.

"Now we can move on to achieve further successes. We aim to become a specialist college next year, and then celebrate our 450th birthday in 2008.

"I am very proud of what we have achieved so far but the best is yet to come for the Thomas Alleyne School."

Chairman of governors Richard Stephens, who was also singled out for praise in the report, said: "We always thought we would pass the inspection but to pass in every single category is very pleasing indeed."

The inspectors pointed out in their report that the school needs to improve students' attendance and that some lessons need more variation.