The headteacher of a "good" school in St Albans said the classification is testament to the effort of all the staff, pupils and parents.

Andrew Wellbeloved’s comments come after an Ofsted report rated Townsend CE Secondary School as "good" following an inspection in December 2014.

Inspectors from the education watchdog visited the school in High Oaks, which teaches 11-18 year-olds, and said GCSE results were above average.

Mr Wellbeloved said: "I am still smiling as are our pupils, staff, governors and parents/carers who are equally as pleased with the report.

"It celebrates the very good achievement of our pupils and comments strongly about our values and ethos, while praising the attitudes of our students and the work of all of our staff to give every child the best possible experience."

Inspectors said Hertfordshire’s only voluntary aided CE Secondary School prepares students well for life in modern democratic Britain, and its focus on developing respect for all is "exemplary".

Mr Wellbeloved added: "The report very strongly endorses the work of our students and staff and celebrates so much that makes Townsend a special place for a child.

"Inspectors said that the school is delivering a good education with good outcomes and in a wonderfully supportive and caring environment with strong and secure values and ethos." The school was also praised for the student’s behaviour and support for disabled students.

Given the national focus on radicalisation Mr Wellbeloved said: "In the current international climate and with the fear of radicalisation of young people high on the national agenda we are very happy to have this aspect of school life to be considered as exemplary.

"That is a wonderful tribute to our school community that actively welcomes children of all faiths and of no faith. Examination results are a high priority for us but so is the rounded development of the children in our care."

The school was told it could improve the teaching further.