A school will be highlighted as a high achiever by education watchdog Ofsted.

Bedale High School is to be included in the High Achieving Schools guide, after receiving outstanding reviews in inspections.

The school also recorded a 99 per cent pass rate among pupils achieving five or more GCSEs.

Headteacher Graham Turner said the school was looking towards progress and change, and hoped to achieve specialist school status in humanities next year, but that it needed to raise £50,000 before it is achieved.

"A successful application will bring in extra financial resources to the school, and allow us to enrich the curriculum in specific areas," he said.

Change has already begun at the school, with a £750,000 development of an all-weather games complex. A fitness suite will follow, which will link the school with Bedale Leisure Centre.

Mr Turner said, "Such collaboration further cements what the Ofsted inspectors suggested was a school at the heart of its community."

The redevelopment of the school's main entrance is due to begin in April.

Mr Turner also paid tribute to students for raising £1,400 with a non-uniform day in aid of the tsunami relief fund.

"We hope in the months and years ahead to make a tangible link with a community affected by this disaster, so that we can play a real and sustained part in rebuilding shattered lives and aspirations," he said.