On its 10th anniversary, the BRIT School was not only honoured with a visit from the Queen but has achieved its best ever exam results and a good OFSTED report.

A team of 20 inspectors visited the performing arts and technology college in the Crescent last November and concluded that very good progress had been made since its 1996 inspection including better teaching, higher standards of achievement and better monitoring and evaluation of achievement.

The BRIT School currently educates 825 teenagers, aged 14-19, and last summer 89 per cent of Year 11 students achieving five or more A*-C grades.

The school's GCSE and GNVQ results have improved rapidly over the last few years with students' performance in 2002 reaching well above the national average.

The report, published this month, said: "Students are highly motivated by the relevance of the work to their own interests and the performing arts industry.

"Highly skilled and professional staff provide challenge and inspiration to help students develop expertise in their chosen field.

"There are excellent links with industry, professionals and the community.

"Bearing in mind the very good leadership and management of the school and the highly effective governing body, the school is well placed to improve further."

Principal Nick Williams, in post since January 2002 said: "Congratulations and thanks to all the staff, students, parents, governors and friends in the music and other creative industries.

This outstanding report shows how extraordinary and unique the BRIT School is and how well it is supported by its wide community."

Inspectors stated the school needed to improve students' achievement up to GCSE in mathematics, design and technology, modern languages and religious education throughout.

As highlighted in a 1996 report "consistent approaches to improving students' writing and use of language remain areas for development".

Standards of literacy are good and numeracy was described as satisfactory.

January 29, 2003 13:00