A principal is hoping his school can become “one of the best” in Watford after a latest Ofsted inspection recognised the “huge improvements” that have been made.

Lanchester Community Free School, in Hempstead Road, has been rated ‘good’ in all categories following an inspection on July 9 and 10.

Lanchester’s first ever Ofsted inspection in 2017 concluded leadership and management ‘required improvement’.

In spring 2018, John Dibdin joined as principal and at the time said the school had an “extremely promising future”.

Highlights of Ofsted’s latest report include the quality of teaching and learning, and pupils’ behaviour which is described as “friendly and well-mannered”.

Staff work well as a team and are “motivated” to make the school the best it can be, and leaders and governors have ensured with curriculum is “well planned”.

The report acknowledges that Lanchester has been through a “considerable turbulence” in leadership, but Mr Dibdin was noted as “determined” in ensuring the quality of education at Lanchester is good.

Mr Dibdin is “ably supported” by the senior and middle leaders and they all make a “strong contribution” to the good and improving nature of the school.

Mr Dibdin said: "I am extremely pleased that Ofsted has recognised the huge improvements we've made at Lanchester.

“We are certainly a very good school now and are keen to become one of the best schools in Watford.

“We have such delightful, engaging children here at Lanchester, it's what they deserve. This brilliant progress has come about as a result of the very hard work of my highly skilled and dedicated team.”