SCHOOL inspectors have praised a small local school for its outstanding achievement in securing A-grade GCSE academic success for two years running. The Bridge Schools Inspectorate working for the DCSF said in its report on The Christian School in Take

SCHOOL inspectors have praised a small local school for its 'outstanding achievement' in securing A-grade GCSE academic success for two years running.

The Bridge Schools Inspectorate working for the DCSF said in its report on The Christian School in Takeley, that for the last three years all pupils have been awarded at least five good GCSE grades, including English and maths, and for the last two over half have been A or A* grades.

The small school has just 47 pupils and operates from a former chapel complex.

The school was founded in 1989 by a group of parents and friends who all belonged to the same church. Now it welcomes children from all Christian denominations and some from non-Christian families.

The school is split up into four sections - infants (4-7 year-olds) which includes Early Years Foundation Stage (4-5 year-olds), juniors (7-11 year-olds), lower seniors (11-14 year-olds) and upper seniors (14-16 year-olds).

By the time pupils reach Year 11, the report says, they have reached high levels in their academic work. Some pupils take GCSEs early and a few take AS Levels in Year 11, usually in maths or English.

The report adds: "Since the school does not select by ability. These excellent results represent outstanding achievement."

The overall aim of the school is to provide a Christian-based education that will enable its pupils to become confident, creative, aware and responsible members of the community.

The schools inspectors added: "Pupils are confident and independent learners who have excellent attitudes to their studies and work with enjoyment and application. They are taught well in small groups that allow them to be valued and nurtured as individuals.

"They make good progress in their learning and attain high standards in examinations. Most parents are closely involved in their children's education."

The report pays special tribute to the head teacher, Emlyn Humphries, who the inspectors say "leads by example", adding: "He teaches across a wide range of ages and subjects with confidence and a strong understanding of the individual pupils."

The report adds that the relatively small size of the school is a major factor in its success. "The experience of learning in a small and cohesive community helps to develop the pupils' social skills. All ages get on well together and the pupils are polite and sociable.

"They participate enthusiastically in lessons and confidently engage with teachers and other people. They make a good contribution to the school and the wider community."

David King, head trustee of The Christian School, was delighted with the report.

He said: "It is a tremendous vote of confidence in the head teacher and the staff, the parents but most of all the pupils themselves. From this kind of foundation we can carry the school confidently forward to future development.