THE UK's first and only free school dedicated to the land-based sector has received a 'Good' rating from Ofsted.

The Rural Enterprise Academy, which shares a 180-hectare parkland site with South Staffordshire College, delivers a mix of academic subjects alongside land-based qualifications.

Ofsted rated it 'Good' in its Overall Effectiveness summary and also in every major category including pupil achievement, teaching quality, behaviour, pupil safety, leadership and management.

Teaching in both English and business studies was considered 'Outstanding'.

Ofsted also commended the academy for the guidance 14-18 year old students receive when wanting to take their next steps in education.

School principal Lorraine Makin (pictured) said the report highlighted the 'overwhelmingly positive' view of the school from parents – as well as the commitment shown by governors and staff.

"The academy is a successful and happy place for students, where we have been able to build an environment that encourages students to create, to inspire and to lead.

"Our students enjoy a range of activities that deliver a blend of academic and vocational skills, with on-site resources such as the equine centre, a working farm and a zoo."

Being able to study Shakespeare and Pythagoras one day and help with lambing the next provideed a real voyage of discovery that was academically challenging but also richly rewarding.

"Our Ofsted report spoke of the academy leadership team showing a strong vision and our absolute priority is enabling the students to share fully in the opportunities that brings."

The academy is a government-funded state school backed by a partnership between South Staffordshire College, the National Farmers' Union and global sustainability business Veolia.

Speaking on behalf of South Staffordshire College, chief executive principal Graham Morley said the academy's success would be built on over the next few years.

"There was interest in the model of education proposed by the Academy from the beginning.

"For example, Radio 4's flagship rural programme 'Farming Today' chose the Academy to present a feature on education in the rural sector."

The school was still recruiting for year 10, was due to open a sixth form this September and its reputation would be further enhanced by this inspection result.

Mr Morley said: "As one of the original stakeholders in the academy, it is gratifying for us to see the success of this unique approach to education."