AN interim board of governors brought in to run a North Yorkshire secondary school brought much-needed stability, independent inspectors found.

An external report was commissioned by North Yorkshire County Council and Richmond School’s interim executive board (IEB) to look at how the school was improving after a turbulent year which the previous governing body resign en-masse and staff complain of bullying by senior managers.

The team from LEAD Academy Trust met with a cross-section of the school community, including headteacher Ian Robertson, teachers and support staff, the chair of the IEB Colonel Stephen Padgett, two representatives from the local authority, and students and parents.

The review team also examined responses to 95 confidential questionnaires and five additional written submissions from staff, as well as looking at key documents and statistics.

Inspectors found that the actions taken by the local authority, school leaders and the IEB had helped to

bring key partners together to make improvements.

The report added: "The IEB has been well-received by senior leaders and the staff. It has provided much needed stability to the school."

Inspectors also found that pupils showed a strong loyalty to the school, with pupils themselves described as "exceptionally polite and well-behaved".

It added: “There was no evidence that any of the staff spoken with were interested in anything but ensuring the success of the school and the best outcomes for students.

"The majority of staff who responded to the questionnaire confirmed that they were proud to be a member of the school.”

Earlier this year, a culture change was promised at the school after 36 members of staff reported being bullied or harassed by someone in authority, while 90 staff felt they were not consulted on changes.

Inspectors found that many staff made reference to major changes which had taken place since the headteacher was appointed.

While most recognised changes were necessary to tackle weaknesses, many staff felt that changes and new initiatives were introduced without sufficient consultation, or a proper impact assessment.

Recommendations from the report included making more staff involved in the management of changes and ensuring the stress management plan was a high priority.

It was also suggested that an impact assessment group from a cross-section of staff should be established to consider the implications on workload of changes.

In a joint letter to parents Mr Roberston and Col Padgett said: “The review team certainly met its brief and lived up to our expectations in gaining valuable insights from its comprehensive analysis.

"Its truly independent perspective identified encouraging progress since Easter, but also provided welcome and constructive recommendations that will help to inform, support and focus the many and varied strands of the school’s improvement plan."