There are 'encouraging signs' of improvement at a Norwich high school, according to inspectors.

Ofsted visited The Hewett School on Cecil Road in Lakenham on May 18 and 19, and gave it an overall 'satisfactory' rating.

But the subsequent report is peppered with praise and highlights a number of good aspects to the 924-pupil school.

Inspectors said: 'This is a satisfactory school that has shown variability in the achievement of students in recent years, culminating in a drop to below national averages in 2010.

'However there are now encouraging signs that progress is improving and in most classes it is at least satisfactory. Importantly, the progress made by students in key stage three is accelerating.

'GCSE results have varied greatly between subjects over the last few years, and the proportion of students attaining the very highest grades has been well below average.

'However, solid evidence from the school's own monitoring systems, together with observations in class, indicate improved performance in 2011.'

The report said the quality of care, guidance and support was 'strong, but leadership and management was 'satisfactory', with inspectors saying the school's self-evaluation was 'too generous in parts'.

Headteacher Tom Samain said: 'We are very pleased that this report has highlighted our considerable strengths. The quality of care, guidance and support is rated as good as is the school's curriculum and nine other aspects of the school. Ofsted recognises that the school meets the needs of students effectively and this has led to students achieving well.'

Associate headteacher Rob Anthony said: 'The school's specialism in the arts is also praised. This is a real boost for the school and allows us to celebrate those aspects which we know are doing very well and to continue our focus on making the school even better in the future.'

?Follow @stevedownes1973 on Twitter.