GOVERNMENT inspectors have praised the "improving standards" at Northgate Junior School, in Guisborough.

The Ofsted report's verdict reads: "This school provides a sound education for its pupils. Good teaching helps most pupils to achieve well and, as a result, standards have steadily risen."

Better resources and teaching have seen standards in information and communication technology "improved considerably", while the school has consistently achieved better results in maths and science than schools with pupils from a similar background.

The school's improved performance in national tests was recognised last year by an achievement award from the Department for Education and Skills.

The report adds: "The good teaching throughout the school is underpinned by teachers' secure subject knowledge in English, maths and science."

Headteacher Pat Anderson said: "I'm very pleased the progress made in different areas of school life since the last inspection five years ago has been recognised. The commitment of teachers to respond to new initiatives the increasing involvement of governors and parents and the pupils' hard work have all had an impact on standards.