A large secondary school has been given a glowing report after its latest Ofsted inspection. 

All pupils at Uckfield College,  including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities "achieve very well indeed", the education watchdog said.

The comprehensive school, which was rated outstanding, was praised for its "purposeful and productive" lessons.

The team of inspectors, led by Linda Culling, said: "Positive relationships are a common feature throughout. 

"Pupils are happy and safe. Exceptional pastoral care underpins this."

The school, which also has a sixth form, was lauded for its range of extra-curricular activities including debating club, model railway club and eco club.

"Pupils cherish these wide-ranging opportunities," inspectors said. 

The report went on: "Sixth-form students thrive when taking on positions of responsibility, such as head student or when contributing to the student leadership team. They are excellent role models and perform their responsibilities with care, dedication and diligence."

The school, in the town's Downsview Crescent, was upgraded from a good rating in its last full inspection in 2013.

It was rated outstanding in all five categories: quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management and sixth form provision.

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More than 1,600 pupils are on the school role, around 300 of who are sixth formers. 

"Different opinions are respected and diversity is celebrated," the report said.

"As a result, this is a highly inclusive school. Pupils and parents appreciate the clear routines and high expectations. Parents are very positive about the school. One parent, typical of many, said ‘My child is thriving at this exceptional school’."

After the inspection, carried out in April, the school was also celebrated for how much progress pupils make.

The report said: "The wider personal development of pupils is a significant strength of the school. The personal, social and health education curriculum provides pupils with vital knowledge and skills. For example, all pupils learn age-appropriate sex and relationships education.

"They learn how to debate in ‘life learning’ lessons and use these skills to discuss and understand what it is like to grow up in modern Britain. At every point, pupils are very well prepared for the next stage of their education."