An edge-of-Norwich high school is focusing on its 'good' prospects for future improvement after getting a lower rating in its latest Ofsted report.

The report comes as Hethersett High School on Queen's Road is being led by acting headteacher Mike Masters, with recently-appointed head Kerry Jordan currently off work.

No information is available about why Ms Jordan is away from the school, having taken over as head in September 2009.

Mr Masters talked positively about the report, which followed an inspection on November 17 and 18.

He said: 'The school is very pleased that the inspection team recognises the progress the school is making and that the majority of specific judgments were good.'

The report gave the school an overall rating of 'satisfactory', with 'good capacity for sustained improvement'. Its previous rating was 'good'.

Inspectors said: 'Students are happy and feel safe in this satisfactory and improving school. The school has been particularly successful in reducing the number of students who struggle to attend school.

'This is because of the effective support the school gives them. Students whose circumstances make them vulnerable benefit from high quality support. Their academic and personal needs are monitored closely and this enables them to make sound progress.'

The report added: 'leaders have introduced some good developments over the last year. For example, students and staff have worked together to establish guidelines for good learning behaviour.

'This has resulted in improvements in students' achievement, attendance and their attitudes to learning. In particular, progress in English has improved so that the large majority of students gain a grade C or better.'

Inspectors were also impressed with the impact of the school's science specialism on achievement and progress, and praised the school's leaders for their 'effective action' to intervene where there was underachievement.

But they highlighted the issue of 'unevenness' in the progress made by boys in different year groups, and said the school needed to increase the proportion of good and better lessons.

Despite the overall 'satisfactory' rating, the report gave a number of a 'good' ratings in specific areas, which contributes to the verdict that there is good capacity for improvement.

To read the full report, visit www.ofsted,gov.uk.