Ofsted labelled Wallington County Grammar School's teachers as ‘leaders of learning’ following an ‘outstanding’ inspection.

The Croydon Road school was given the top grade in the leadership, teaching, behaviour and pupil outcomes categories after the education watchdog visited the school in January 2017.

It is the first time in the school’s 90-year history that it has been given the top grade.

The academy, which has 1,056 children on roll, was given a good rating when it was last visited in November 2012.

Inspectors praised multiple aspects of the school including extra-curricular activities, pupil progress and teaching.

Lead inspector Matt Tiplin said: “Teachers here are leaders of learning. They benefit from highly effective and individualised training which improves pupils’ learning. Pupils recognise that teachers go the extra mile to help them achieve their lofty ambitions.

“Teachers refuse to accept mediocrity. Pupils know that teachers expect much of them when coming into a lesson and get to work quickly. They pay attention to teachers’ instructions and seek to extend their knowledge and understanding.”

Recently appointed headteacher Jamie Bean said: “I would personally like to thank all staff and students, both past and present, who have helped the school reach these heights.

“As someone who has dedicated their whole teaching career to Wallington County Grammar School, I cannot think of a worthier group of people to be recognised in this way.”