A comprehensive school which secured rapid improvements thanks to “outstanding management” is celebrating after receiving a good Ofsted report.

Inspectors lavished praise on Eastbury School in Hulse Avenue, Barking, after two thirds of pupils - 66 per cent - bagged at least five good GCSEs, outstripping the national average by seven percentage points.

The inspectorate said students were justifiably proud of their school, adding teaching was good and Eastbury offered a wide range of academic and vocational courses well matched to their needs.

Ofsted was particularly complimentary of headteacher David Dickson, saying his passion to reach the highest standards and ambition for all students permeated the school.

Mr Dickson said: “I have always been extremely proud of all the students at Eastbury and this wonderful public recognition of their achievements are a result of their hard work.

“I would also like to thank our caring families, governors and local authority who have provided support and encouragement.

“It is a privilege to work with such a dedicated staff team and enthusiastic students. I look forward to leading the school to even greater successes in the future.”

Inspectors said managers had tackled satisfactory and inadequate teaching firmly so that it was now good and in some cases outstanding.

The school was rated “good” overall with good pupil achievement and behaviour and “outstanding” leadership and management.

Ofsted added that Eastbury was not yet outstanding because the proportion of students making outstanding progress was not yet high enough, in particular in the sixth form and although teaching was improving there was not yet enough outstanding tuition.

“The school has gone from strength to strength since the last inspection,” the inspectorate said.

“There have been rapid and secure improvements in the progress made by students. The proportion of students achieving five or more good GCSE grades, including English and mathematics, is now above the national average.”