A Coventry headteacher is bowing out at the top after guiding his school to vast improvements.

Richard Carter will retire from Ernesford Grange School and Community College at the end of the month with glowing praise from government inspectors ringing in his ears.

Mr Carter, who has worked in Coventry for 31 years and became head of Ernesford Grange in 1989, has been told by the Ofsted team that the school has made good progress since its last inspection in 1996.

It was described as "effective" and was praised for the high standards of teaching throughout the school, the excellent provision for pupils with special educational needs and the "thoughtful and committed" leadership provided by Mr Carter and his team.

Chair of governors Mrs M Coleman said:

"We are very pleased with the Ofsted report, especially with the quality of teaching and learning which reflects the hard work of our dedicated teaching and support staff. It is a fitting tribute to the leadership of the head, who we are sorry to lose."

Inspectors found that teaching across all areas was a strength of the school: in 99 per cent of lessons seen, teaching was satisfactory or better, and in 21 per cent it was very good or excellent.

The teaching of pupils with special educational needs was found to be "very good". Pupils’ attitudes and values were found to be good, they are well behaved and there is little bullying in the school.

Cllr George Duggins, cabinet member (Education and Library Service) said:

"Well done to Dick and his staff for getting such a good report. It’s a fitting tribute to his hard work during his time as head of Ernesford Grange that this good Ofsted report should mark his retirement. Good luck to him and I hope he enjoys whatever he chooses to do next."

The school was praised for:

• Good leadership that provides a clear direction for the work of the school

• A knowledgeable and supportive governing body that knows that the school and the community

• Good teaching promotes good learning

• Excellent provision for pupils with special educational needs

• Good system for staff development including very good induction arrangements for new teachers

• Very good provision of extra-curricular activities

• Good systems for pupils’ welfare and guidance

To improve, the school must:

• Raise levels of attainment at Key Stage 3 and 4

• Continue to improve attendance rates

• Continue to develop strategies to improve the literacy of pupils

• Ensure that the National Curriculum requirements are met in terms of information technology at Key Stage 3 and 4

• Ensure the provision for spiritual development is improved across all areas of the curriculum