Last updated 19:44, Thursday, 24 April 2008

A WORKINGTON school has received a good report from government inspectors.

Ofsted inspectors visited Stainburn School and Science College on April 9 and 10.

They judged it had good standards of teaching, learning, achievements, standards, care guidance, support, personal development, leadership and management as well as being an effective school overall.

They added that care, guidance and support for some vulnerable pupils was outstanding.

The team commented on the calm and orderly atmosphere and said that behaviour in most lessons was good.

A school spokesman said: “Pupils said they felt safe and well cared for. The team noted the rapid rise in standards over the last year and a continuing improvement since the last inspection. The school is well placed to make further improvement.

“The inspectors were also impressed with the amount of extra-curricular activity.”

He added that the inspectors noted that the quality of teaching and learning was robustly monitored by senior leaders who had a visible presence throughout the school.

Two thirds of parental questionnaires were supportive of the school and Ofsted inspectors said that a comment from a parent that “Stainburn had allowed her child to flourish” was typical.

Headteacher Chris McGrath thanked parents for their support and partnership in helping the school to meet higher standards.

Mr McGrath added: “I am pleased that the hard work of the staff and the pupils has been recognised.

“The inspection isn’t about a two day process but the process of school improvement.

“Our pupils and all the staff are continually working hard to improve standards of achievement for all, and for everyone to feel valued.

“We have a supportive relationship with the vast majority of our parents and our texting service for parents has helped enormously with this.

“The inspection findings tell us that we are working hard, achieving well, and that we know what our priorities are.

“This report recognises that there is the capacity to improve still further and our target now is to gain an outstanding grade at the next inspection.”