A SOUTH Lakeland secondary school has held onto its ‘good’ level classification following an Ofsted inspection.

Government inspectors said Kirkbie Kendal School had ‘brought about improvement that has had a positive impact on the outcome of pupils.’

And happy head teacher Phil Hyman said “I am delighted that the sustained excellent work of all staff and students has been acknowledged.

“I am particularly pleased that the inspectors confirmed that we have continued to improve since the inspection in 2014.”

The report stated that the school had taken a range of actions since the last inspection to support teachers. Detailed feedback from lesson observation ensures that teachers receive individual support to improve their teaching.

“As a result, pupils are now benefitting from strong teaching across a range of subjects,” says the report. “This is helping all pupils to improve, particularly disadvantaged pupils.”

The report said pupils make good progress over a range of subjects adding that English, mathematics and science are particularly strong.

Behaviour of pupils, teacher satisfaction and attendance figures were all also commended in the report.

The inspection did note however that the school should “identify precisely the barriers that disadvantaged pupils face and provide appropriate support.”

Mr Hyman said “As well as agreeing with the positive comments about the school, we agree with the next step about improving outcomes for disadvantaged pupils.”

The report also praised the governing body of the school saying they ‘know what the school is doing well in and where it needs to improve.’

“I am delighted that the inspection team recognised the good work of the governing body,” said Naomi Brown, vice chair of governors. “We certainly hold the school to account whilst providing support. It is very encouraging to know that our self-evaluation of the school is accurate.”

As well as celebrating the encouraging Ofsted result, Kirkbie Kendal School also received a letter of congratulations for being in the top 20 per cent of schools for sixth form student progress.