A BLACKHEATH school says its new Ofsted rating is proof of the great progress it has made in recent years.

Ofsted have rated St Matthew Academy good in all areas, an improvement on the previous inspection's satisfactory rating

Inspectors praised the all-age Catholic school's leadership and quality of teaching, noting that pupil behaviour achievement had markedly improved.

Headteacher Michael Barry said: "We've been open five years and, within that time have improved year after year."

Mr Barry said he had reorganised the way the St Joseph’s Vale school was run, appointing three heads of school and focusing on improving teaching.

And pupils have even designed the school blazer, fitting in with the academy's specialism in enterprise by arranging for buyers from Marks and Spencer to pay a visit.

He said: "The Ofsted reaction has been absolutely fabulous. Everybody has been working very hard to ensure we improve."

Mr Barry said he now wanted the academy to offer a second specialisation and more activities on a Saturday.