There was a double celebration at a school which was given an outstanding Ofsted report and then awarded Beacon status.

Thomas A Becket Middle School, in Glebeside Avenue, Tarring, has been deemed "a very good school which provides a stimulating environment for all of its pupils".

Ofsted inspectors who visited the school from June lavished praise on the school for its high teaching standards, broad curriculum and good relationship with parents.

But the highest praise was saved for the school's eight to 12-year-olds, who have "excellent attitudes to their work" and are friendly and well-behaved.

Standards were found to be above or well above average in ten subjects and the school was judged to be very well led.

Tony Cohen, chairman of the governors, said: "The governors have always had complete confidence in the leadership team and this has been endorsed by the outstanding Ofsted report."

Headteacher Chris Budgen said: "I am very pleased the school's success has been recognised to such a great extent.

"The team were very thorough and rigorous in their inspection, particularly as we are such a large school.

"The pupils were the real stars. As always, they worked incredibly hard and their behaviour and manners were, as normal, exemplary.

"To achieve Beacon status again was a magnificent achievement but we could not have done it without the incredible hard work of the teachers and the amazing support of the parents and the local community.

"It is a real pleasure to work in a school like this and there are still great things to be achieved."