A DALTON school is celebrating continued success after receiving the verdict of an Ofsted inspection.

Inspectors graded Dowdales School as ‘good’ following an inspection in July.

They called the secondary school ‘a proud, thriving and ambitious community’ where ‘leaders aim high and lead by example’.

The inspection report said teaching and learning was ‘highly effective much of the time’, with classes encouraging pupils to ‘develop a strong moral purpose’.

The school carried on its run of ‘good’ inspections with the latest marking four in a row.

Praising pupils’ polite conduct around school, inspectors said it was followed-up with ‘good, attentive and considerate’ behaviour in class.

Inspectors praised school leaders, saying: “There is great integrity in the work of the senior leadership team,” adding they had ‘a central focus on what is right for the pupils’.

The school was graded as good in all four inspection areas.

Headteacher Emma Aubrey said: “As a school, we could not be happier with these inspection findings.

“There is a clear sense that we have improved in a number of areas.”

She said in order to improve further the school would continue to ensure that ‘boys make the same good progress across all subjects’ and 'we will continue to improve attendance, particularly of disadvantaged pupils’.

The chair of governors Caren Hindle said: “The report recognises we are a good all round school giving praise to both staff, students and a strong leadership team.

“The recognition and praise given to the school is well deserved with all staff contributing to ensuring that the Ofsted report mirrors what we already know: Dowdales is a school to be proud of where students come first.

“At Dowdales we ensure every student leaves us having achieved the very best they can whilst also supporting their social and moral needs.”

Former headteacher Julie O’Connor was in charge at the time of the inspection. Miss Aubrey, her deputy, has taken over for this school year.