ONE of the county's top performing rural schools has been rated 'good' in its latest Ofsted report.

Settlebeck School was inspected by the government body in January, and was singled out for the ‘family’ feel of the school.

The report said that the Sedbergh school was a place where pupils know that staff care deeply about their academic progress and where teachers have a strong understanding of individual needs.

Head teacher Sarah Campbell said: "I am incredibly proud of our pupils, staff and governors who have worked extremely hard to achieve this positive outcome.

"I think what makes Settlebeck so special is that every child is known by staff because it is a small school.

"We also have a really broad curriculum, catering for everybody from those who come to the school for strategic resource provision to those expecting to go to Russell Group universities.

"While many schools are cutting arts subjects, we still provide them alongside the English Baccalaureate (EBacc) subjects.

"Ofsted inspectors praised many areas of the school from high quality teaching, stretch and challenge for all pupils, governance and our unwavering commitment to inclusion."

The visit was the first short inspection carried out since the school was judged to be 'good' in November 2013.

The report said: "The leadership team has maintained the good quality of education in the school since the last inspection. Settlebeck High School is a school where pupils feel they can be themselves.

"Staff provide pupils with a nurturing environment where they feel well supported to achieve their potential.

"Staff training is up-to-date and leaders ensure that staff receive regular safeguarding updates. Staff follow up on all concerns assiduously. Record-keeping is meticulous.

"During the inspection, we observed teachers challenging pupils in their lessons and the most able pupils were making better progress as a result.

"The proportion of pupils who attend the school who have special educational needs (SEN) and/or disabilities is considerably higher than the national average. Teachers’ high expectations ensure that this group achieves well across the school.

"Staff have created a safe and supportive learning space for pupils who have autistic spectrum disorders. Staff plan activities which are well matched to the needs of the pupils."