A HEREFORD school is top of the class, according to Ofsted inspectors.

The overall effectiveness of the Aconbury Centre, a pupil referral unit in Ross Road, has been judged as outstanding following last month’s inspection.

The centre works with pupils who are at risk of exclusion from secondary schools and helps get them back on track and return to full-time education.

The report says the centre makes a real difference to the life chances of young people by helping them develop a positive view of themselves and a more productive attitude to learning.

It states the centre’s teaching and learning are outstanding, along with its pastoral care and academic guidance.

The report puts the success down to high-quality relationships and team work.

Headteacher Eleanor Christopher said: “We knew the school was improving and to have it formally reported that we are outstanding is a tremendous accolade.”

Dennis Longmore, manager of social inclusion for Herefordshire Council, said: “This places Herefordshire in the unique position in the country of having all our pupil referral units listed as outstanding.”