AN OUTSTANDING contribution to community cohesion has been made by Hampstead School, say Ofsted inspectors. The school is also well placed to continue its good progress and has been rated as satisfactory and improving. Among many good and some outstand

AN OUTSTANDING contribution to community cohesion has been made by Hampstead School, say Ofsted inspectors.

The school is also well placed to continue its good progress and has been rated as satisfactory and improving.

Among "many good" and "some outstanding" aspects, the community school's curriculum is developing well, inspectors add.

Headteacher Jacques Szemalikowski said: "We are very pleased with the encouraging outcome of this inspection but the hard work is not over yet.

"We are dedicated to continuing our improvements and these pleasing results will give everyone at the school a great boost."

The school, catering for 1,303 secondary pupils, has continued to improve the high quality of care and support it provides, inspectors say.

The provision of personal development and well-being and care, guidance and support was judged "good".

Particular praise was lavished on the sixth form, which was rated individually as good.

"Sixth form students act as excellent role models across the school and younger students appreciate the support and guidance of their older peers," inspectors noted.

Camden Council schools boss Cllr Andrew Mennear said: "Everyone at Hampstead School, from the teaching staff to pupils and parents, has clearly been working extremely hard over the past years and that effort has been recognised.

"This is a sign that the school is headed in the right direction and I am confident it will continue to make positive strides."

The school's curriculum enrichment was found to be a particular strength, with students commenting positively on activities led by artists and musicians.

The after-school support programme was deemed to provide excellent support opportunities.

The school's child protection arrangements, risk assessments and recruitment procedures were also found to be exemplary.

Students who require additional help, including those with learning difficulties and disabilities and English as an additional language, are provided with extensive and excellent support.

The school was given clear guidance on how to improve, including ensuring that good and outstanding teaching is used to help raise standards further.

Ofsted has recommended that the school reduces incidents of low-level misbehaviour and improves middle leaders' contribution to the school's improvement and development.

The inspection was carried out last month.

susanna.wilkey@hamhigh.co.uk