PADGATE High School has received praise from OFSTED inspectors for improvements in teaching and the high level of student motivation.

Inspectors visited the school in November last year and spent time looking at all aspects of how the school teaches, operates and provides for its pupils.

The report said: "Teaching at the school shows a real improvement from the last inspection in 1995. Confident, well-informed teaching continues to motivate pupils to raise their standards."

The inspectors added that the standard of teaching helps build pupils' confidence and belief that they can achieve well.

In 2000, the school GCSE results were well above average when compared to other schools in the area.

Recommendations from the report include improved attendance at the school's technology college. The school hopes to achieve this through a more relevant curriculum

Headteacher Mary Chuck: "I am delighted and proud that this report really recognises, over and over again, the efforts and commitment of all the staff and of the pupils at Padgate and the students in Fearnhead college.

"The report picked out the pupils' very good attitude to the school, according to the report they are 'well behaved, self disciplined and considerate. Their attitude is built on outstandingly good community links, especially those with primary schools, which helps develop their confidence and independence as they move through the school."