An all-boy specialist school is celebrating after receiving a glowing report from education watchdog Ofsted.

Eaton Hall Specialist Academy, in Eaton, which was previously judged by inspectors as outstanding in 2012 before becoming an academy in the same year, has retained this verdict across the board.

The school, which caters for children with social, emotional and mental health difficulties, was rated as outstanding in all measured areas when it was visited by inspectors on March 14 and 15.

The report, which was published on Friday, May 4, described 'excellent progress' made by pupils at the school, also praising the staff for having 'consistently high expectations' of them.

It said: 'The promotion of pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is excellent. Pupils are well prepared for life in modern Britain.

'Pupils have extremely positive attitudes to learning due to the engaging topics studied and say they feel safe and really enjoy coming to school.

'Staff ensure that classrooms are welcoming so pupils are encouraged to learn and try their very best.'

Just one suggestion for improvement was made by the inspectors, who said the school's leaders should ensure that: 'the school continues to share their knowledge and expertise with an even wider range of schools to promote excellence in education'.

Keith Bates, who became headteacher in 2014, said: 'The highest praise we receive comes from parents who, on more than one occasion, have said we have transformed their children's lives.

'One parent told us recently we had given their child a future. That, to us, is what it is all about.'

The school, which has 55 pupils aged between five and 16, is part of the RightforSuccess Academy Trust, which is also responsible for Sprowston Community Academy, Tuckswood Academy and Nursery and Edith Cavell Academy and Nursery.

Valerie Moore, chief executive of the Trust, said: 'To retain the outstanding verdict and through a change of headteacher is exceptional.

'The fact Eaton Hall has been rated outstanding proves our ethos of transforming children's lives is working. It is a huge testament to the staff.'