A SCHOOL in South Tyneside is moving on up after a glowing report from Ofsted inspectors.
Hebburn Comprehensive, in Campbell Park Road, Hebburn, was deemed satisfactory in July 2010.
But huge improvements in teaching and learning were recognised in a full inspection last month and the school is now judged to be good.
Lead inspector Ann Ashdown said: “Governors, leaders and managers have had a firm and successful focus on improving teaching and achievement.
“Consequently, standards have risen and students’ progress has speeded up.”
Last year, 61 per cent of pupils gained at least five A* to C grades, including English and maths. A further 36 per cent left with at least five GCSEs at grade A* to C, which did not include English and maths.
Inspectors said pupils achieve well in lessons because they have a positive attitude to learning and are keen to succeed.
They also recognised that children start the school with below-average standards, but achieve in line with the national average in exams by the end of Year 11.
Acting headteacher David Thompson said: “The bar has certainly been raised, so to move from satisfactory to ‘strongly good’ within a more stringent framework is a fantastic achievement.
Teaching was described as good – and, in some areas, outstanding – with briskly-paced lessons and knowledgeable and enthusiastic teachers. Staff feel valued, and morale is high, because of a good leadership and management team, the report added.
Inspectors also noted examples of exemplary behaviour and acknowledged the school’s robust sytems for tackling bullying.
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