SHARPLES School is improving its performance across the board, say Ofsted inspectors.

Determined efforts have been made to address areas of concern, particularly attendance, and marked improvement have been made, they report.

The Ofsted inspectors observed 201 lessons, plus assemblies, registrations, extra-curricular activities and meetings at the school, which provides education for 932 11 to 16-year-olds.

A strength of the school, they say, is the conduct of pupils.

They state: "Pupils' attitudes to learning are good and have a positive effect on their attainment and progress. The school is generally an orderly community.

"Pupils usually behave well in and around the school. Pupils are polite, trustworthy and courteous both in their conduct and speech."

Although attainment levels in some subject areas are below national standards, there are significant efforts being made through City Challenge funding to improve the levels achieved by boys from the ethnic minorities in particular.

The school is seeking to expand the number of vocational courses and add to the number of courses available for students for whom GCSEs are not appropriate.

The inspection team praise the school for the resources it invests in educational support staff.

Headteacher Bob Atkinson said: "We are delighted with the findings, which report our many strengths and achievements and recognise the commitment and hard work of staff, pupils and governors.

"The inspectors also confirmed our development priorities whilst acknowledging the positive progress we are making to further raise educational standards."

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