A FOCUS on fun and friendship around transition activities has meant that all of Bedale High School's current Y7 students have experienced a great start to their secondary education.

Headteacher Tony Rawdin, who is proud of the fantastic team of teachers and tutors who go the extra mile to support students, says: "It's important for us that children enjoy their education so we aim to make learning as much fun as possible but we also demand that students work hard."

The school's ethos is focused on having a positive attitude to learning, showing respect for all and demonstrating high levels of commitment.

Last year a new leadership team took control of the school. According to Mr Rawdin, this has transformed the school: "We have taken the school back in one sense to a more traditional approach based on high expectations, excellent relationships and wearing the uniform with pride. We expect our students to be polite and courteous and, of course, they are!"

The school's headline results improved in all measures in 2018, but Mr Rawdin admits the real improvements are yet to come. "Having done all the groundwork last year, we are now seeing things flourish," he says. "Changes to the teaching team mean our results for 2019 and beyond look set to rise even more steeply. What I am most proud of is the way our students rose to the challenge of GCSEs. With great support from their teachers, almost all have progressed as expected onto post-16 courses or directly into employment."

As well as promoting excellence for all in terms of academic achievement, Bedale High School remains committed to an outstanding all-round development.

Deputy headteacher, Tom Kelly believes the wide range of extra-curricular activities on offer is having a huge impact on student development. "As well as lots of clubs and activities, we have a wonderful Duke of Edinburgh Award programme and aim to give our students lots of leadership opportunities. Trips to Iceland, New York and the battlefields of Northern France have also enhanced their understanding of the world. For me, though, the highlight has been our work with a fantastic bunch of employers which means that by the time they leave us, all our students are equipped with essential study and employability skills that will set them up for life."

Mr Rawdin underlined the school's focus on working in partnership with parents: "As a parent myself, I am acutely aware of the importance of excellent home-school relationships and they are one of the essential ingredients for the reason that our students are thriving here at Bedale."