LYDIARD Park Academy is one of the most improved schools in the country according to Ofsted’s annual report on the state of education in England.

The report, published at 10am today, highlights the outcomes of inspections throughout the country during 2013 and 2014, and areas which require improvement.

Following an exceptionally successful year, Lydiard has been selected as one of 18 schools across nine different regions championed by the education watchdog.

It is the first time that the education watchdog named schools worthy of recognition alongside the release of the annual report yesterday(dec10), which highlights the outcomes of inspections throughout the country during 2013 and 2014, and areas which require improvement.

Lydiard Park Academy headteacher Clive Zimmerman said: “Obviously we're delighted to have been picked as one of only two schools in the South West and one of only 18 nationally.

“Although we might not have the greatest results in the region, I think we were picked because we are among those which have made the most improvements.

"This year we had our best ever GCSE results for the fourth time in five years, and students gained results that were well above - nine per cent higher, in fact - than the national level, and this is despite this cohort of pupils being slightly below the national average when they left primary schools.

“I think that’s what makes us stand out, how well the students improve between KS2 and GCSE.

“I think it's a great boost for our hardworking and talented staff and after a very demanding but successful year. It's also a recognition of the extremely positive work ethic that we have fostered in our student body.

“All in all, it’s a great Christmas for all concerned with Lydiard Park Academy.”