An academy is celebrating being rated outstanding in every area by inspectors.

Oasis Academy Shirley Park in Long Lane has transformed from underachieving to one of the highest performing in Croydon in less than two years.

A report by Ofsted praised the "exceptional progress" made by all students and said teachers "challenge, nurture and support them at every stage in their studies".

Inspectors who visited the academy last month rated pupils' achievement, teaching quality, leadership and behaviour and safety of students as outstanding.

The report, published last week, said: "Students take immense pride in the academy and everything it offers.

"Regardless of their starting points, all groups make exceptional progress to exceed the national average greatly by the end of Year 11."

It highlighted Glen Denham, the academy's "inspirational" principal, for praise, adding: "At every level, leaders show a remarkable level of commitment to ensuring that students flourish and that the quality of teaching and learning continues to improve."

Mr Denham paid tribute to the academy's staff, pupils and their families, and Oasis Community Learning, its parent body.

He said: "We can be incredibly proud to be an outstanding academy that serves one of the most deprived areas in the country and we all share the belief that our children have the right to an outstanding education.

"It has always been our goal to work with our local community and we know that background, place of birth or post code need never be an obstacle in fulfilling your dreams and aspirations."

Steve Chalke, the founder of Oasis who grew up in South Norwood, said he "literally cried" when he read the report.

The academy was rated satisfactory - the second lowest Ofsted grading - after its last inspection in February 2012.

The all-through school teaches pupils from ages three to 19.

 

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