AN inspection which praised good progress at a school provides further evidence it should not be closed by Greenwich Council, teachers claim.

A report following Ofsted's unannounced visit of Blackheath Bluecoat last month acknowledged the school's progress in academic results and pupil behaviour.

Among the issues highlighted were the school's best ever GCSE results this year, leading inspectors to say: "All of the evidence points to outcomes for the current Year 11 improving on this figure."

The report also states: "The school is successfully tackling a legacy of underachievement from previous years."

A previous inspection last June had called for raising the level of GCSE attainment to 42 per cent of pupils gaining five or more A* to C grades including English and maths.

In fact the school beat that target by five per cent.

It comes at a time when the council is consulting on shutting down Bluecoat, citing a financial deficit and falling pupil numbers.

England and Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand, a former pupil of the school, has spoken out against the proposed closure.

But executive headteacher Jeffrey Risbridger said: "Given our present circumstances, with the additional strain and pressure we are all under, it is even more extraordinary that an unannounced inspection should produce 'good' as an outcome in every aspect.

"I very much hope that it will be powerful evidence in our campaign to save our school from closure. It should be."

The ongoing issue was again highlighted at a full council meeting last week, when staff and parents hung pupil-designed banners supporting Bluecoat at the entrance to Woolwich town hall.

A small number occupied the public gallery to hear answers to their questions about the school's future.

But cabinet member for children and young people Councillor Jackie Smith told the meeting: “I’m not going to get drawn into specifics of what may be possible, probable or likely.

“It’s still out to consultation.”