A SCHOOL has been praised for its “can do” culture where all the students feel valued.

A team of Ofsted inspectors found Bedale School’s leadership was raising the aspirations of all – although they pointed out there was still room for improvement.

They stated the school had made significant progress since the last inspection of 2012 and the head and associate head exuded high expectations and had established an environment in which teaching and learning could flourish.

They found that with the support of governors and the local authority the school’s improvement plan showed it was well on the way to students making better-than-expected progress and attaining the highest GCSE grades.

Many teachers, said the report, now injected real enjoyment into learning, managed students’ behaviour well, and challenged their thinking.

And as a result students appreciated “how much all adults go out of their way to support them” and were rising to the challenge of higher expectations.

Head teacher Mick Jolley said: “This is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of all members of staff at the school, both teaching and support staff.

“There is no complacency at Bedale High School, with all staff driving to ensure that all students make good progress.

“We are also very grateful for the very good partnership we have with parents and the value that parents place on the work of the school.”

The county council’s executive member for schools, Cllr Arthur Barker, said: “This Ofsted report gives a true and impressive picture of the very high expectations that the school’s leadership has of its staff and students - and shows that Bedale High is driving forward improvement.”