King Edward VII School in King's Lynn has been rated satisfactory in all areas following a visit by Ofsted inspectors.

The education watchdog found the school had improved following a fall in GCSE results last year, but it was not 'good' or 'outstanding' overall because of the quality of teaching.

'It has a number of notable strengths, but its overall effectiveness is no better than satisfactory because teaching is not strong enough to secure consistently rapid progress and good achievement,' the inspection report, published yesterday (Thursday), states.

Inspectors found the pace of learning was uneven between lessons and pupils were sometimes failing to engage.

'Teaching is satisfactory overall, but it varies too widely,' the report goes on. 'The most effective teachers use assessment of students' individual needs and abilities to raise expectations and drive progress.

'Too often, however, assessment is irregular or superficial, students are given too little guidance on how to improve their work and do not often check that their advice is followed.'

The unexpected slump in English GCSE results last year had a 'significantly detrimental' impact on the schools's performance, but it had addressed weaknesses in English and re-established the rising trend in achievement, inspectors found.

'Whole-school strategies for improving students' literacy and numeracy are having a demonstrable impact,' the report states. 'The underlying upward trend in standards and attendance demonstrates the school's capacity to sustain improvement.'

Overall, pupils' behaviour was found to satisfactory, with most having positive attitudes to learning, but the Ofsted questionnaires revealed students and parents were concerned by low-level disruption in lessons.

Although attendance has improved, inspectors said it remained stubbornly below the national average and was a barrier to good achievement for a 'small but significant' number of pupils.

There was particular praise for the extra-curricular opportunities given to pupils.

'Opportunities for social, cultural and personal enrichment are plentiful and varied,' the report says. 'These are often, but not exclusively, linked with the school's impressive sports specialism.'

The school was rated 'good' overall following its last inspection in March 2009.