Alan Johnson MP, secretary of state for education, visited a North Finchley secondary school last Thursday in recognition of its outstanding' Ofsted report and to open new £5 million buildings.

The Compton School, a mixed comprehensive for 11 to 16-year-olds, in Summers Lane, was given the top rating in all 24 categories - no other school in Barnet, and only a handful nationwide, have been rated as highly.

The inspector's report of the visit, on September 11, notes first-rate teaching, stating: "Inspirational leadership of the head teacher, supported by a committed and extremely talented team underpins this school's exceptional success. Pupils of all abilities and backgrounds flourish in an atmosphere of high expectations and positive thinking.

"This is an outstanding school in which each and every pupil really does matter."

As well as celebrating the school's excellent report, Mr Johnson also officially opened its new £5 million buildings, completed after a two-year programme.

Head teacher Teresa Tunnadine put the school's recent success down to a combination of working with staff to improve the quality of teaching and a significant improvement in IT provision.

She said: "We are very proud that, as a local community school, we can provide the very best start, which will give students a better chance to have a successful life. If children come here, they will do well, better than at other schools in the country."

The school, which saw 75 per cent of students achieve five or more grade A* to C in their recent GCSEs, has expanded to admit 30 additional pupils in each year group.

Just over half of the school's pupils are from minority ethnic groups and come from a range of social and economic backgrounds, some of which are significantly deprived.

The percentage of students with learning needs or disabilities is also higher than average."