An "exceptional" Stevenage secondary school has received a 'good' Ofsted report in its latest inspection.

Following the two-day inspection at Saint John Henry Newman Catholic School Ofsted said the school creates a "culture of kindness and acceptance".

Headteacher Mr D Carrasco-Morley, said: “I am very proud of the students and staff at the Saint John Henry Newman School. The staff have worked hard since the last inspection to ensure continuous improvement and outstanding practice across all areas of all the school.

"As ever, our students were a credit to the school, and I was particularly pleased that the inspectors were able to recognise the ‘culture of kindness and acceptance’ that is fostered here.”

There was no change to this school’s overall judgement of good due to the inspection being ungraded.

However, Ofsted believe that the evidence gathered suggests that the inspection grade might be outstanding if and when they conduct a graded inspection soon.

Inspectors observed lessons at the school and undertook a thorough check into the provision of extra-curricular activities, sixth form, SEND and staff.

Ofsted said: "Pupils are confident, courteous and their behaviour is exemplary. They thrive academically.

"They benefit from carefully planned lessons. Classrooms are calm and purposeful places to study. Pupils are studious and eager to learn."

The education watchdog also noted how the pupils are "confident" and "work hard" to reach the high expectations set of them.

Meanwhile, the teachers have "high-quality training" ensuring that they have the subject knowledge required to teach the curriculum. Teachers also know their pupils well, allowing them to provide the "support pupils need to be successful".

Ofsted highlighted that "Pupil achievement in national exams is exceptionally high".

The school was also praised for its inclusivity, by "celebrating pupils own cultures" and "great precision" when identifying the needs of SEND pupils.

Ofsted added: "They assess what pupils know and can do throughout lessons, then use this information to effectively adapt their teaching.

"This helps pupils with SEND achieve exceptionally well."

Other important areas praised following the inspection were the "sixth form" and the student support system.

They added: "The school ensures that attendance is high. Expectations of behaviour are clear. This means that the atmosphere in lessons and around the school is calm and purposeful."

This is the second ungraded inspection since Ofsted judged the school to be good in January 2015 - a graded inspection may occur in the next "one or two years".