A secondary school in Dagenham has received Ofsted's highest rating after being praised by school inspectors. 

Jo Richardson Community School has been graded 'outstanding' after inspectors from the education standards board visited in May. 

It is an improvement on the school's previous 'good' rating from an inspection in January 2023. 

Inspectors said the school is "exceptional" in its support of pupil development, giving it the highest rating across all five inspection categories. 

The report said: "Leaders have thought very carefully about how to develop a curriculum that will best enable pupils to thrive, both at school and in adulthood.

Ofsted praised the school for going 'above and beyond'Ofsted praised the school for going 'above and beyond' (Image: Google Maps) "Parents and carers described how their children’s aspirations and needs are supported because the school works with them as a ‘team’."

Ofsted said that pupils with special educational needs and disabilities were well supported by the school.

It wrote: "All staff receive effective training to deliver any additional help that these pupils need to learn confidently in a subject.

"For example, in order to extend staff’s expertise, training is delivered both through subject departments and at a whole-school level.

"Staff are very appreciative of this approach to their professional development."

According to the report, the mixed school has 1,682 pupils on its roll as well as a further 220 in its sixth form.

Inspectors described pupils' behaviour as "exemplary", adding: "They enjoy learning and they support each other in class."

Pupil development beyond school years is reportedly a "key thread", according to Ofsted, with curriculum tailored to open doors to future employment opportunities. 

Inspectors said the school "goes above and beyond what is expected", by teaching the national curriculum and ensuring there are provisions for pupils' futures.

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Lisa Keane, headteacher, said: "I am so proud of the achievement of all our students, staff and the whole community as outlined in our latest Ofsted report.

"The school prides itself on delivering high academic standards alongside character education and providing students with many opportunities to learn outside the curriculum.

"As the academic year draws to a close we look forward to welcoming our new year 6 students and continuing to support all our students to ensure success for all."

The results of the most recent report were published last month.