A Dorchester school is looking ahead to an 'outstanding' future following a recent inspection.

Ofsted conducted a short inspection at Dorchester Middle School last month after the school was rated 'good' in March 2014.

Inspectors found the school continued to be good.

Headteacher, Caroline Dearden following the confirmation, she was aiming to take the school to 'outstanding'.

"We have our vision," Miss Dearden said. "We would like to be outstanding in the next two years and we are using the report to help us achieve that."

In the latest report, inspectors said since taking over a headteacher in January 2017, Miss Dearden had "articulated an ambition to improve the standard of education the school provides."

The report added Miss Dearden had established a team of senior leaders who had the knowledge and the

expertise to make the required changes.

"You have now established priorities

accurately and the majority of staff are supportive of senior leaders and positive about the vision for the future," the report said.

Inspectors found senior leaders at the school had "reflected honestly" and "taken appropriate action" to remedy weaknesses in teaching.

"You have also recognised the need to bolster the capacity and expertise within the staff team, to make more rapid progress towards achieving your objectives," the report said.

Inspectors said there remained a commitment to provide meaningful experiences and enrichment opportunities for pupils which was reflected in the school's ‘Dorchester University’, where pupils took part in activities throughout the year to develop their

sporting, cultural and artistic prowess.

Safeguarding at the school was found to be effective with leaders keeping 'meticulous' records and staff being trained in child protection procedures, including preventing influences of radicalisation and exploitation.

The report said: "Pupils are welcoming, cheerful and clearly enjoy school. They are articulate, reflective and community-minded, and understand the importance of respect and diversity."

Headteacher, Caroline Dearden said: "We are so proud. It's the best Christmas present we could have asked for. As always the children were amazing - they are the school's greatest asset and just incredible. They come in every day with their faces lit up and wanting to be in their classes. It's a really buzzy atmosphere."