OUTSTANDING' is the verdict returned by inspectors in Trinity Catholic High School's first Ofsted report for six years.

The school in Mornington Road, Woodford Green, scored maximum possible marks in 22 out of 25 categories with an inspection team who spent two days in the school at the start of this month.

Students were said to have an exemplary attitude to learning, and to take pride in their school, its examination results and its supportive environment.

In their report, inspectors wrote: "There is a clear vision and a hunger for improvement, building on the school's record of outstanding success. The outstanding and consistent leadership of the headmaster over a quarter of a century is complemented by the exceptional management of senior and middle leaders."

They noted that a high proportion of students gained the highest grades at GCSE and that progress made by students who joined the sixth form with lower grades was particularly good.

Inspectors said that the school recognised the need to extend the provision even further for the small proportion of students who did not gain the top grades given the purely academic curriculum.

They wrote: "There are no major issues for the school to address, but to improve further the school should build on its existing arrangements to meet the needs of all learners by undertaking a further review of courses and qualifications in years ten to 13."

In a letter to parents, headteacher Paul Doherty wrote: "My warmest congratulations to all for a marvellous and truly outstanding outcome."