Redbridge’s first free school has been rated “good” by education watchdog Ofsted after its first year teaching.

Aldborough E-ACT Free School, in Aldborough Road South, Seven Kings, had its first inspection last month.

It was rated “good” across leadership and management, pupils’ behaviour and safety, achievement and quality of teaching.

Space at the 420-place school is in demand, with 117 applications for 30 places in reception reported for this September.

The Ofsted report found pupils were making good progress because of high expectations of teachers and teaching was good with “effective questioning and interesting activities” for the children.

But attendance is below the national average and inspectors found the most able pupils were “not always challenged as much as they could be”.

Achievement in maths was also behind that in reading and writing.

Headteacher Nicola Percy said the report was “testament to the dedication and committment” of staff.

She added: “Children love coming to our school and are making super progress.

“This is a real achievement given how new our school is.”

Secretary of state for education Michael Gove said the report was an “impressive start” for the school.