A SECONDARY school has been praised by Ofsted inspectors following a recent visit.

William Edwards School, in Grays received an inspection from the education regulator, prompted by concerns over "safeguarding arrangements, aspects of the effectiveness of leadership and management, and the personal development, behaviour and welfare of pupils at the school."

The school, which was rated as outstanding back in 2010, is currently exempt from routine inspection under current rules.

However, John Daniell concluded that William Edwards, which has around 1,200 pupils on its books, remains in good shape,after the inspection.

He said: "The curriculum is well considered and planned to meet the needs of the pupils in the school.

"The school’s senior leaders work very well together as a cohesive team who know and execute their roles and responsibilities effectively.

Pupils’ overall attendance has been broadly in line with the national average for some time and has steadily improved over time. The proportion of pupils who are persistently absent from school is well below the national average."

Mr Daniell did call for further action to investigate more closely why some groups of pupils attend school less regularly than others, particularly those pupils who are eligible for free school meals.

Responding to the inspection, Simon Bell, head of school, said he was delighted with the positive inspection.

He said: "We are really pleased with the inspection,