A COMPREHENSIVE school has received top marks from education inspectors.

Ofsted inspectors found some aspects of schoolwork at Stockton's Ian Ramsey Church of England aided secondary outstanding.

Teaching and learning was good, with "exemplary'' support offered to every pupil.

The inspectors found the personal development of students "outstanding'' and a "significant strength'' of school life, while above average academic standards and outstanding personal development mean students are "extremely well prepared" for further education and adult life.

The report says headteacher Michael Davison provides strong leadership and is well supported by his deputy and other senior members of staff.

It states: "There is a commitment at all levels to equality of opportunity for everyone. The result has been the significant rise in GCSE standards over a period of three years. Challenging performance targets are used to raise standards and they are often exceeded.'' In a letter to pupils, lead inspector Brian Dower wrote: "You impressed the inspectors with your capacity for hard work and your ability to work independently without constant direction.'' The inspectors found two areas needing improvement: that lessons are planned to meet the learning needs of all pupils, while better use should be made of marking and oral feedback to give students a clearer view of how well they are doing and what they are doing and what they must do to improve their work.