STAFF and pupils at a secondary school in Brampton are celebrating after it was rated good in a recent Ofsted inspection.

William Howard School, which has 1,460 pupils, was inspected by a team of five inspectors over two days on April 30 and May 1.

At its previous inspection in October 2016 it required improvement in three out of five areas.

The outcome of the inspection was that the school, on Longtown Road, has been rated as good in all five categories.

Headteacher Chris McAree said: "The report is overwhelmingly positive, praising the work of the school in a number of areas.

"It highlights that as a school with a large and far ranging catchment that William Howard is a true community where everyone works together to enjoy their learning and make progress in all that they do.

"William Howard is a school that provides a high quality education where we pride ourselves on always being focussed on securing good academic outcomes while also having a myriad of opportunities for students outside of the classroom be that sporting, international, cultural or student leadership.

“We are extremely pleased with the outcome of the inspection as it reflects well the hard work and standards that the staff and students display every day, as well as recognising the improvements we have made in the last three years. Reading the report and the positive comments should make everyone associated with the school proud.

“The report accurately mirrors our own self-evaluation both for what we excel in and also where we need to continue to focus on improving further. It is great to be recognised for what we are accomplishing but we are equally as determined to continue our trajectory of positive progress.

“We have a fantastic set of students who are a delight to work with on a daily basis. Our parents are very supportive of the school and I know they will be delighted to read the report and how the school provides for their children’s all-round education.”

Dr John Storr, chair of the school’s Local Advisory Board (LAB) said: “It is very clear from the report that the inspectors were impressed by the work done to improve attendance and outcomes; the dedication of all staff members to the overall success and personal development of those in their care; and the positive, supportive and nurturing environment they found in the school. I am sure everyone associated with the school, parents, students and staff, will take great pleasure in reading the report and appreciate the recognition of their efforts and motivation.”

The school is sponsored by Cumbria Education Trust, which is also responsible for six other academies in Cumbria. Lorrayne Hughes, chief executive of Cumbria Education Trust added: “This is well deserved recognition of what a fantastic school William Howard is. The hard work of Mr McAree, and his staff along with the students has been duly recognised.

"I am sure William Howard School will continue to go from strength to strength providing its student with an excellent level of education and unrivalled opportunities.”

William Howard School became an academy in February 2012.