Pupils at a secondary school in Hornchurch have been praised for behaving "very well" and "taking pride" in their school community.
Emerson Park Academy has received its latest report from Ofsted following an inspection on June 16, which found that the "expected standards" are being met across all areas.
This is the school's first report since the new grading framework came into force in November 2025, with an "expected standard" meaning the school is following the guidelines set out in education legislation.
Pupils were identified as receiving the education and support they need across all areas, including attendance and behaviour, inclusion and curriculum.
The overall effect of this is that pupils are "happy and enjoy school", inspectors concluded.
The Ofsted report, published on September 10, said: "Pupils are very polite and courteous.
"They get on well with each other and respect the differences between themselves and others.
"They attend regularly and build positive relationships with staff.
"The house system strengthens their sense of belonging and identity.
"Pupils take pride in adding their house colours to the trophy.
"They celebrate when their house wins the half‑termly award for the highest number of positive ‘pride’ behaviour points."
Inspectors added that pupils "behave very well" and have attendance levels in line with the national average, including for disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Recent action from leaders to track punctuality and identify external factors that influence it has led to improvement, Ofsted noted.
The academy's curriculum was described as "broad and balanced", demonstrating "secure" subject knowledge from teachers and providing targeted support for students who find reading difficult.
This is supported by a varied personal development programme that reflects pupils' interests and includes activities in form time, inspectors found.
The report said: "Pupils engage in a wide range of enrichment activities, including extensive sports, arts, music and the Duke of Edinburgh Award.
"They enjoy culture studies, assemblies and visits from external speakers.
"They learn about moral debates, human rights, the legal system and different faiths and cultures.
"Culture day celebrates pupils' heritage through presentations, traditional dress and shared food.
"All these activities help pupils develop their character and their understanding of life in modern Britain."
Headteacher Scott McGuinness said he was "pleased" with the "many positive comments in the report", including about the behaviour of pupils and quality of teaching at the school.
Mr McGuinness told the Recorder: "We are obviously pleased to be seen as reaching a standard where Ofsted believe your children are getting the education they deserve but we will always seek new ways to develop the school further.
"We have had a really good start to the new academic year here at Emerson Park Academy and look forward to further success in 2026-27."
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