A HEADTEACHER has been hailed as 'exceptional and visionary' after his school received the highest grade Ofsted has to offer.

Alan Porteous was singled out for praise along with the senior leadership team and governors as Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School was rated 'outstanding' by the education watchdog.

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The Waterfoot school, which converted to academy status in 2012, was previously considered to be 'good'.

The inspection, which took place over two days last month, also saw the sixth form receive the highest grade possible.

In a report published yesterday, the school's leaders were said to have created a 'culture of high expectations' with 'remarkably good teaching' which enables students to develop academically and as 'well-rounded citizens'.

The report has been hailed as the best in the school's history and Mr Porteous has said that he is 'delighted' with its findings.

Lead inspector Janet Palmer said: "The principal, supported by a highly capable leadership team, has succeeded in realising their uncompromising vision of a thriving learning community with ambition and aspiration at its heart.

"The academy’s evaluation of its own performance is never complacent; it builds on the premise that there is always room for further improvement.

"Teaching and learning at the academy is exemplified by the very high expectations of teachers and the enthusiasm and high personal aspirations of the pupils.

"The climate for learning is industrious and productive, with no learning time wasted.

"Attendance is higher than the national average and exclusions are very low, with no pupil having been permanently excluded for the past five years."

Despite receiving top marks the school was told to increase the opportunities for pupils to develop their verbal communication skills and improve the monitoring and analysis of pupils’ participation in extra-curricular activities to ensure that it is an entitlement for all.

It has also been asked to improve further the provision of careers education, information, advice and guidance to ensure that it meets the needs of all pupils and learners.

Mr Porteous said: “This the best Ofsted report that BRGS has ever received; the outstanding judgement is a remarkable achievement, given the increased challenge in the most recent inspection framework.

"The report is testament to the dedication, commitment and energy of a superb team of staff supported by an experienced governing body.

"It is also a reflection of the quality of our students; during the inspection, the team were hugely impressed by their mature approach to their learning, their active engagement, their self-discipline and excellent behaviour.

"They did themselves, the school and you proud.

"We are continually engaged in reflecting on our current provision and looking for ways to improve it for our young people.

"We are delighted with the outstanding judgement and will seek to build upon it as we continue to equip our students to play a significant role in the community as they progress beyond BRGS.”

Chairman of governors, David King, said that the report is a credit to all staff members as they provide education 'to such a high standard'.