A Hornchurch academy has been rated good in its first Ofsted inspection.

Abbs Cross Academy and Arts College converted to become an academy in April 2011 and a new headteacher was appointed in January this year.

Its predecessor school Abbs Cross School and Arts College was last judged to be outstanding overall.

Lead inspector Clare Gillies said in her report: “Performing arts subjects generate high GCSE pass rates. They also give all students much enjoyment and confidence, experience of teamwork and professional-style productions. The range of subjects and activities offered is outstanding.”

It noted that an above-average proportion of students got five GCSEs including English and maths this year.

The academy’s care and support for students was rated “outstanding”, which inspectors said, “helps them to feel safe and enjoy school life”.

Teaching was rated good, and getting better, with teachers willingly sharing good practise and receiving helpful training.

Inspectors were impressed with the senior leaders, several of whom are very experienced, and said, “they are hard-working and loyal. Their teamwork is increasingly effective”.

The report added: “Students are polite, considerate and behave well. They regularly contribute their views, in a mature and constructive way, on how the school should develop in the future.”