A RURAL secondary school has triumphed in its latest Ofsted inspection.

Settlebeck High School, Sedbergh, was awarded an ‘outstanding’ grade following a three-day visit from Ofsted inspectors.

With only 170 pupils, Settlebeck is the region’s smallest secondary school and inspectors found the school’s close-knit environment helped pupils to flourish.

“The small size of this school provides a unique environment in which students feel exceptionally safe, and where they are well prepared for life beyond school,” said chief inspector John Peckham.

He added: “Staff have an in-depth personal knowledge of each student, which is used very effectively.”

He also praised Settlebeck for being ‘a true community school’ where local people and businesses give their time freely and extensively to support school staff.

Harnessing the expertise of local farmers to teach four students high-level farming qualifications was picked out as an example of the school’s ‘outstanding’ use of resources and awareness of its rural community.

The leadership of head teacher Dr Judith Greene was also praised for enabling the school to jump a grade since its last inspection in 2007.

“The school has benefited substantially from the experience, vision and drive of the current head teacher, who was appointed very shortly before the last inspection. "She had built on the school’s strong care and guidance by encouraging better practice in teaching and learning,” added Mr Peckham.