OFSTED inspectors have rated Stokesley School as "good," praising the quality of leadership, safeguarding arrangements and pastoral care.

The school's previous inspection, in November 2018, saw it classed as "requiring improvement".

The most recent visit from Ofsted took place on June 7 and 8, and the report states: "Leaders, with the support of (Arete Learning Trust), have improved the school. Senior leadership has strengthened as a result of shrewd professional development.

"The local governing body helps to keep leaders focused on the most important matters. Together, they have prioritised pupils’ well-being and strengthening the curriculum. Leaders have maintained their ambitious vision for the school through the Covid-19 pandemic.

"Their effective leadership is bearing fruit. Pupils receive a good education."

Stokesley's special education needs department received high praise, while safeguarding was also viewed as effective, with the report finding staff to be "vigilant".

The report states “high expectations from leaders and staff are the norm at Stokesley School,” with a “high priority on pastoral care” meaning students are “safe and attend well”. The inspectors commented that “behaviour rarely interrupts learning. When it does, it is swiftly tackled.”

While the school was rated "good" in all areas, points raised for improvement were that some teachers do not consistently emphasise and revisit the most important knowledge that pupils need to remember, and some leaders are not consistently making good use of assessment information to review the effectiveness of the curriculum in their subjects.

Headteacher Hannah Millett said: “I could not be more delighted with the outcome of our inspection. We knew we had improved significantly, but it is great to have this confirmed by the Ofsted team who left no stone unturned in our school. To have achieved this rapid improvement alongside the pandemic is testament to the hard work, commitment and talents of all of our staff and governors.”

Richard Crane, CEO of the Arete Learning Trust, which also runs secondary schools in Northallerton and Richmond, added: “We are delighted with the outcome of the recent inspection at Stokesley School. It is a reflection of a great team effort from staff and students and is well deserved. I know that the school will work with the support of the trust to build on this positive outcome to continue to improve the learning experience for all Stokesley students moving forwards.”