PUPILS at Friern Barnet School are celebrating after it was judged to be “outstanding” at a recent Ofsted report.

The specialist performing arts school was inspected in February, with inspectors noting a leap in GCSE performance since 2006, from 37 per cent getting five A*-C grades to 89 per cent last year.

As well as noting it is “an outstanding school where pupils achieve highly” the inspectors also praised the behaviour of the pupils themselves.

The report said: “Students adapt well to their different roles and responsibilities as ambassadors within the school and wider community.

“Additionally, their involvement in enterprise activities ensures they are well prepared for the next stage of their education and the world of work.”

The curriculum range and pupil welfare were also singled out for praise by inspectors.

Headteacher Jeremy Turner, who took over in September 2006, said: “I am delighted with the outcome of the inspection and the fact that Friern Barnet School has been judged to be an outstanding school.

“Only 13 per cent of schools in the country achieve this honour and the Ofsted rating underlines the strength and opportunities that exist at the school.

“It is the culmination of much hard work and something that each and every student, parent, governor and member of staff should be immensely proud of.

“Becoming an outstanding school does not mean that we cannot continue to improve. The learning culture that we have created and embedded here at Friern Barnet School is here to stay.”