AN academy which replaced a struggling school has been praised by Ofsted.
Nottingham Girls' Academy in Aspley was visited by inspectors in February for the first time since opening in September 2011.
It replaced Manning School for Girls, which was told it must improve two years earlier.
In the latest report, the leadership of the academy was praised, as were the achievements and behaviour of students.
The academy gained "good" grades in all four inspected areas – achievement of pupils, quality of teaching, behaviour and safety of pupils, and leadership and management.
Lead inspector Tim Bristow said: "Standards are rising rapidly in most subjects.
"The large majority of teaching is good or better. Academy records show that the proportion that is outstanding is growing, but it is not yet high enough for teaching to be judged outstanding.
"Pupils have very positive attitudes to learning, work hard and cooperatively together. They have high expectations of what they can achieve and are looking forward to the next stage in their education, training or work with enthusiasm."
The 2009 report of the old school flagged up that it needed better achievement records, marking and evaluation of students, although it did gain an overall "satisfactory" report and a later monitoring inspection revealed improvements had been made.
Principal Peter Holyk said he was "delighted" with the report.
He said: "It's a great outcome, considering where we have come from.
"The improvements that have been made are down to the hard work and dedication of staff and students and the terrific support we receive from parents.
"It's been a great effort all round."
Students have given the school the thumbs-up.
Dominique Palmer, 16, said: "I was here in the Manning School days and it is much better now. I'm glad Ofsted have noted that.
"The general behaviour of everyone around school has improved a lot."
Samaira Saleem, 13, said: "Students get lots of help here, which is reassuring to know."
Fareeha Nadeem, 11, said: "This is my first year here and I've found making the change from primary school has been great. I'm really pleased that Ofsted have noted how good the school really is."
Ida Jobe, 14, said: "Since I was in Year 7 a lot has changed. I feel much happier at school and actually look forward to coming here more."
Has your school done well in an Ofsted inspection? E-mail newsdesk@nottinghampostgroup.co.uk
