An academy school has celebrated a second consecutive glowing report from inspectors, who praised the “outstanding” quality of teachers and “exemplary” behaviour of pupils.

Harris Academy Merton, in Wide Way, Mitcham, was rated as “outstanding” by Ofsted in all areas after they were inspected on September 26 and 27.

The report said: “This is an outstanding school. Students make outstanding progress, the quality of teaching is outstanding, behaviour is exemplary and the 6th form is outstanding.”

“There is a tremendously positive culture of learning and a very strong sense of community. Pride in the Academy is shared by students, and teachers and support staff."

Since Harris Academy Merton opened after replacing Tamworth Manor High School in 2006, the number of students achieving five or more good GCSEs including English and Maths has almost trebled, from 23 per cent to 62 per cent this year.

The Harris federation of academy schools in south London has had nine “outstanding” reports out of 11 so far inspected.

It has also taken over struggling Bishopsford Arts College, which began this year as the rebranded Harris Academy Morden following a failed Ofsted inspection earlier this year.

Principal of Harris Academy Merton (and now Harris Morden), Andy Halpin, said: “This report demonstrates that our staff and students were determined not to rest on their laurels after being judged as outstanding for the first time in 2008.

“We are very proud to have built on that success and to receive another report that recognises the scope of our achievements so far.”

Sir Dan Moynihan, Chief Executive of the Harris Federation, said: “It is so impressive that Harris Academy Merton has been rated as outstanding in consecutive reports.

“The nearby Harris Academy Morden opened last month and the two schools are working very closely together.

"Already, all the signs are that Harris Academy Morden will in time be able to match the rapid improvements made at Merton.”

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