A headteacher said he was disappointed but also glad his school only received Ofsted's second-highest rating after its latest inspection.

Cumberland Community School in Plaistow rose from being among the worst in the country to receive a glowing report from the education watchdog after visits on September 28 and 29.

Three years ago the school had among the worst GCSE results in the country, and when it was last inspected as The Cumberland School in 2016 it was rated 'requires improvement' - the second lowest score.

The new report, published on November 9, reads: “Leaders insist on the highest standards of behaviour and conduct. Pupils meet these expectations. They behave well and show respect for others.

“Pupils are polite and friendly and enjoy socialising with each other at lunch and breaktimes. Bullying is rare, and when it does happen leaders deal with it effectively.”

The curriculum at the school was described as “well-ordered”, which meant children remembered essential knowledge.

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The report states: “Leaders share a vision to transform the life chances of pupils by providing them with a high-quality education.

“They have embedded clear approaches to teaching and behaviour across the school.”

The school's overall rating was 'good' - the second highest awarded.

But the headteacher believes this should have been higher, as Department for Educations statistics shows in just three years the school went from among the worst to the best in the country for GCSE results.

Mr Rahman said: “It is disappointing because if you read the report it reads like an outstanding school. It is truly a glowing report.

“Our GCSE exam results are that of an outstanding school, the behaviour is that of an outstanding school. But we are looking at it is a positive, something to be grateful for.

“An outstanding school sometimes stagnates; complacency can settle in once you have the top rating. The disappointment we all feel will only serve to motivate us all.

“The rapid improvement made at this school is largely because of the incredible support we have from the community schools trust central team. They have been incredible.”

Cumberland Community School’s grade improvement coincides with the school being taken over by the Community Schools Trust.

CEO Simon Elliott said: “To jump from one of the worst schools nationally to one of the best in three years in an incredible achievement. To have succeed against the backdrop of a global pandemic is truly remarkable.

“Our trust operates differently to others. The senior team, myself included, are very hands on when it comes to the day to day running of school.”