A SCHOOL heading for specialist status as it approaches its 50th anniversary is celebrating after it received another positive inspection report from education watchdog Ofsted.

Bedale High School has been marked as good following a two-day visit by four inspectors, led by Michael Maddison.

In his report, Mr Maddison pays tribute to the work of staff, pupils and parents in contributing to the overall effectiveness of the school, which opened in 1958 and has almost 900 pupils.

He said that by the time they leave at the end of year 11, pupils' standards were above national averages but there was scope for even higher achievement at key stage three.

He said students did well overall because they are well motivated and receive good teaching.

Mr Maddison said specialist status in humanities, gained in June, was already having a positive impact on attitude and expectations.

He added that headteacher Graham Turner and senior leaders had developed a good improvement plan that identifies key areas for development and appropriate strategies for delivery.