Richard Lander School in Truro has retained its "good" rating following an Ofsted inspection.

The secondary school in Higher Besore Road was inspected over two days, on October 3 and 4, with the report published towards the end of last year. 

It has maintained its "good" rating, the second highest rating possible, which it also achieved in a short inspection in 2018 and a full inspection before that, in 2015.

This was Richard Lander's second ungraded inspection since 2015.

According to Ofsted, Richard Lander School is a happy and inclusive environment where staff have high expectations of the pupils.

The school was commended for modelling its motto to encourage pupils to "be the best you can be".

Excellent preparation was noted for students leaving school, with many ready for their next steps in education or employment.

Ofsted stated: "The school is calm and purposeful.

"Pupils are proud to attend and say they feel safe."

Ofsted also reported warm, respectful relationships between staff and pupils creating positive learning environments.

Regarding any incidents of bullying, Ofsted noted the swift and effective measures the school takes to resolve them.

Inspectors found extensive and exciting range of extra-curricular opportunities available for students, including creative arts and sports clubs, along with numerous national and international trips each year.

The report adds: "Pupils can take on leadership roles, such as being subject leaders, sports leaders or a head student".

The curriculum at Richard Lander was recognised for its ambition and variety.

Falmouth Packet: The school, situated on Higher Besore Road, was inspected over two days, on October 3 and 4

The report also noted: "Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) follow the same curriculum as their peers, with small adaptations as appropriate."

It highlighted that more pupils have been studying a modern foreign language at key stage 4 over the last two academic years, meaning that the school was moving closer to the government ambition for more pupils to study subjects that form part of the English Baccalaureate (EBacc).

The report brought attention to two areas that could be improved to raise the school's Ofsted grading even further.

It advised the school to make use of assessment to fill any gaps in pupils' knowledge and to develop an understanding of key concepts.

Ofsted also suggested encouraging pupils to read books outside of the school curriculum, saying: "The school has not fully developed a culture in which pupils read for pleasure."

In regards to staff, the report mentioned that they enjoyed working at Richard Lander and felt listened to by leaders, who they found approachable and considerate.

Ofsted also found that safeguarding measures at the school were effective.

To view the full Ofsted report, visit files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50232241.

As expectations were met, Ofsted will now not return for another four years.