A free school in St Albans has been praised for establishing a "strong ethos and drive for improvement" in its first Ofsted report, following its opening 18 months ago.

Members of staff at Alban City School in Hatfield Road were praised for outstanding "leadership and management" following a visit from Ofsted inspectors on February 26.

St Albans & Harpenden Review:

The school was awarded "good" marks in the achievement of pupils and the quality of teaching categories and "outstanding" marks in the the behaviour and safety of pupils and leadership and management categories.

Janet Goddard, school headteacher and former headteacher of Ryde School in Hatfield since 1997, said she was "delighted".

She continued: "Staff, Governors, children and parents at Alban City School are delighted with the recent inspection findings from Ofsted.

"Everyone has worked tirelessly to establish a vibrant, caring school where the children receive a high standard of education."

Alban City School opened its doors in April 2012 and stands on the site of the former University of Hertfordshire School of Law building.

Lord Nash, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Schools, congratulated the school on achieving a good rating in only their second year of opening.

He said: "I congratulate staff and pupils at Alban City Free School on the publication of their first Ofsted report. Achieving this rating in only their second year of opening is a great achievement and all down to the hard work and determination of the teachers and pupils at the school.

"I am particularly impressed by the glowing comments Ofsted has made about the school’s outstanding leadership and excellent behaviour."

"This school is an excellent example of how the free school programme is offering pupils and parents a high standard of education in St Albans and right across the country."

The inspectors observed teaching in all classes twice, with joint observations conducted with the headteacher. Inspectors said that "everyone at the school is eager to improve and all teachers have leadership roles."

There are 420 pupils at the school and the Ofsted report highlighted pupils "positive attitude to learning" and eagerness to acquire new skills.

Furthermore it was noted pupils who speak English, as an additional language was above average.

Inspectors said to improve further to gain an "outstanding rating" the quality of teaching would have to be improved by ensuring teachers explain carefully what is expected of the pupil and where appropriate, demonstrate how to use resources and equipment.

They noted mathematics could be improved to the same high standard as reading and writing by making sure that pupils learn at a rapid pace right the way through the lesson.