Stalham High School has been taken off its notice to improve, thanks to a glowing report by inspectors who were impressed by its 'brisk' pace of improvement.

In a positive write up, which gave the 484-pupil Brumstead Road school an overall 'satisfactory' rating, inspectors praised the 'purposeful' leadership of headteacher Melinda Derry.

And they said changes in management had made Stalham High a 'much happier and more welcoming environment'.

Now Mrs Derry is setting her sights on steering the school towards being 'outstanding' within two years.

She said: 'We have come a long way in the last year. I am particularly pleased that Ofsted confirmed for us that attainment was rising, that behaviour had improved, and that the morale of staff and students was high.

'The students and staff have worked so hard to achieve the improvements we have made, and they are ready to do more.

'This community and these young people deserve nothing less than an outstanding school, and that is what we are aiming to be in the next two years.'

The report said: 'Stalham High is transforming and improving at a brisk pace. The school is benefiting from purposeful and focused leadership and management established by the headteacher and restructured leadership team.

'As one parent commented, 'The headteacher has made a huge difference. I feel that the school is really turning around under her direction'.'

The report added: 'Another parent comments, 'Stalham has done wonders for my child's confidence and it is like having a new child'.

'Many students speak enthusiastically about how the school has changed and how there is a greater focus on behaviour and achievement.

'Students value the positive ethos of the school and they are confident that their concerns are addressed. This approach makes a major contribution to the good care and guidance provided for the students.'

The inspectors said overall attainment was 'broadly average but rising', while students in years 10 and 11 were making 'satisfactory or better progress'.

The school was urged to accelerate progress by 'systematically tracking and monitoring' students likely to miss their targets, and ensure that all teaching was 'good or better' by regularly assessing work and sharing good practice in teaching and learning.