A CATHOLIC secondary school in Wealdstone received an almost perfect Ofsted evaluation last month.

The Sacred Heart Language College, in High Street, was judged as 'outstanding' in 24 of the 26 categories inspected by Ofsted (the Office for Standards in Education).

Headteacher Geraldine Higgins said: "We're delighted that the hard work and dedication of all the staff and girls has been rewarded and recognised.

"We can attribute this to the sense of community that exists within the school. We got 'outstanding' across the board and this recognises the enthusiasm that the girls bring to their learning and the expertise that the all staff use in supporting the girls to achieve their best, not only in academic results but personal wellbeing as well."

Four inspectors visited the 736-pupil school, which specialises in languages, in June.

They said the school 'not only achieves high academic standards, but also places equal focus on the learners' personal development'.

The report compliments the girls' enthusiasm, behaviour, confidence and independence, as well as the ethos at the school, its management, academic results and the quality of lessons and extra-curricular activities.

Only twice did Ofsted give the school a rating of just 'good' - the second highest of four grades - and these were in the categories: 'How well learners develop workplace and other skills that will contribute to their future economic wellbeing' and 'How well the curriculum and other activities meet the range of needs and interests of learners'.

Ms Higgins added: "We're not complacent. It's about continuing to strive to make the best of all students and putting religion at the heart of the college, and maintaining a clear focus on high-quality learning."