A NORTH Yorkshire secondary school has been rated “good” by inspectors and is on its way to becoming “outstanding” according to Ofsted.

Stokesley School, which attracts students from North Yorkshire and Middlesbrough retained its “good” status after the first inspection under tougher Government guidelines.

A member of Areté Learning Trust with Richmond School, the school was praised by inspectors during a short inspection for maintaining the quality of education since the last inspection in 2015.

It was rated good in areas of leadership and management, pupil achievement, quality of teaching and sixth form provision. The behaviour and safety of students was judged “outstanding”.

Chief inspector Darren Stewart said in a letter to the school: “I am of the opinion that the school has demonstrated strong practice and marked improvement in certain areas. This may indicate that the school is improving towards being outstanding.”

He added: “You lead by example and are highly capable professionals. It is evident that you and other leaders show resolute determination and your actions are having a positive impact on key areas that need to improve further.”

Governors were praised for providing effective challenge and support, sustaining improvements and for being aware of the areas that needed further attention.

The quality of teaching across the school and in the sixth form, were also singled out.

Mr Stewart said: “The caring and compassionate ethos permeates the school, promoting a culture of mutual respect between staff and pupils.

“Pupils are highly appreciative of all that staff do for them and they are unequivocally confident that staff will go the ‘extra mile’ for them to ensure that they achieve their very best.

“Behaviour around the school site and in lessons is exemplary. Movement is calm, orderly and courteous. Pupils are proud of their school. They wear their uniforms with pride and look very smart in their respective house colours.”

He highlighted that the vast majority of parents and carers who completed Ofsted’s Parent View online questionnaire showed confidence in the school, felt their children were safe and happy and they would recommend the school to another parent.

The report recommended the next steps for the school involved “consistent monitoring and sharp evaluation” of strategies to support disadvantaged pupils and further work to improve attendance, particularly amongst disadvantaged pupils.

The inspection was carried out just after Northallerton School and Sixth Form received its Ofsted, in which it was deemed “inadequate” in all areas of the inspection and placed in special measures.

Stokesley School head teacher Catherine Brooker said: “I am thrilled that there is so much to celebrate and that inspectors agreed with our future priorities.

“I must pay tribute to the hard work and commitment of the staff, as well as the excellent behaviour and attitude to learning of our students and the support of their parents, which were recognised by the inspection team.”