Dereham Church of England Junior Academy has been rated 'good' in all aspects by Ofsted in an inspection held at the end of the last academic year.

Leadership and management have been praised and it was noted that the new headteacher has 'raised expectations of all staff and been quick to tackle underperformance in the school.'

Ofsted also praised the academy's use of funding for disadvantaged pupils. As a result, disadvantaged pupils have attendance well above national averages for non-disadvantaged pupils.

The report stated that the curriculum contributes well to pupils' personal and social moral, spiritual and cultural development.

Executive headteacher, Helen McCarney said: 'I am delighted that the perseverance and determination of all staff and Diocese of Norwich Education and Academies Trust (DNEAT) to bring Dereham Junior Academy to a good standard in all areas has been recognised by Ofsted.

'The community can now feel rightfully proud of the academy and what has been achieved.'

The inspector also commented in the report how 'outcomes at the end of Year 6 in 2017 were above national averages and pupils are making good progress as a result of the good teaching that they receive.'

The school was also commended on the curriculum, with the report stating that pupils feel safe, behave well and enjoy learning.

It was noted how teachers use the school's 'marvellous mistakes' strategy to encourage pupils to learn from their errors, which has supported improved attitude to learning and subsequently led to an increase in confidence in many pupils across the academy.

The inspector also added: 'Governors and trustees have worked effectively to challenge the school and leaders to improve. They are ambitious for the pupils in their school.

'For example... employing pastoral leaders to support pupils better at key times during the day as a result of an effectiveness report carried out by the governing body.'

Other aspects of celebration in the report included collaborating with other schools and sharing good practice with other educational professionals across Norfolk.

The school became an academy with the DNEAT in 2015 and the report showed that 'school leaders and staff have benefited a great deal from the partnership and collaboration with other schools.'