STUDENTS and staff are celebrating at a school given an Ofsted rating of good after inspectors found substantial improvements in teaching and standards of behaviour among students.

In the latest Ofsted report for Bedale High School, one student is quoted as saying: "It’s as if the new headteacher had waved a magic wand."

But headteacher Tony Rawdin said there had been no magic wand and the school’s success was down to a sustained and collective team effort.

In November 2016 the school was told by Ofsted it required improvement and the new headteacher was brought in as part of a major reorganisation.

Mr Rawdin added: "Staff have been superb and the support from the overwhelming majority of parents has been a crucial factor. Whilst there is still work to be done this great inspection report gives us the impetus to maintain what has been an impressive transformation in a relatively short time."

The Ofsted report says: "Of specific note is the improvement in pupils behaviour and their level of focus in lessons. This has in turn led to a situation where teachers are able to concentrate on pupils learning rather than ‘crowd control’. Pupils have an increasingly strong sense of pride in their school and are committed to their studies."

Mr Rawdin, from Richmond, is now leaving with Deputy Head Tom Kelly taking over. He was praised by Ofsted for his 'strikingly positive impact' helping to bring about a change of culture with 'polite, courteous and well-behaved students and an atmosphere of tolerance and respect.'

Mr Kelly said: "This is something we have worked tirelessly for. Our focus on traditional values of attitude, respect and commitment has started to take root, I’m looking forward to taking the school to the next level."