A BASINGSTOKE academy is celebrating after achieving its first 'good' rating in 17 years.

Everest Community Academy, based on Oxford Way, Popley, has been given the rating by Ofsted after almost two decades of being in the 'requires improvement' bracket.

The report highlighted the rate at which the school has improved since joining the Bourne Education Trust in 2017.

Reacting to the news, Hannah Dibden, Head of School, said: “This is a fantastic moment for the local community and really reflects the hard work of our students and my colleagues.

"We are committed to ensuring our students enjoy their education and thrive in life beyond Everest and the inspectors really recognised that.”

Chair of Governors, Oonagh Austin, added: “This well deserved Ofsted rating is a pivotal moment for the Everest community.

"It is validation of our new school culture and strategy and testament to the hard work of all to improve the school.

"There are so many exciting things to come for Everest and this is just the beginning.”

The report said: This is a school which has been changing extremely quickly under the new leaders.

"They have driven up standards and ensured that the school is more ambitious for all its pupils.

"The pupils and parents love this new approach and younger pupils in particular are thriving here.

"Pupils are clearly happy in their lessons, trust their

teachers and enjoy the wide variety of activities on offer."

The report went on to rate the academy as 'good' in all four sub-categories - quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development and leadership and management.

Inspectors visited the school at the start of February, publishing their findings earlier this week.