HEREFORDSHIRE’S newest academy school has got off to a good start by receiving an encouraging inspection report.

Bromyard’s Queen Elizabeth Humanities College has been described as “a good academy that is rapidly improving,” by representatives from the Ofsted inspectorate.

Inspectors reserved praise for the quality of teaching, effective leadership and safe atmosphere after their visit to the college earlier this month.

Says the report: “The atmosphere in the academy is described by one student as being like a family, and a place where students feel outstandingly safe. The academy’s engagement with parents and carers is outstanding.”

It adds: “The quality of teaching is good. Teachers plan their lessons well and with interesting activities. Some teaching is outstanding and in these lessons students take an active and independent role.”

Headteacher Dr Michael Goodman said: “Staff and students have worked so hard over the past two years to bring about this improvement in our achievements.

"We are pleased that Ofsted recognise this. We will go even further by stating that we wish to become an outstanding academy within the next two years.”

The overall rating for the school was good.