A Kearsley comprehensive school which has opted out of local authority control has been given a good report by Government inspectors.

George Tomlinson School, Kearsley, has a specialist unit to educate youngsters with physical disabilities.

The school is also undergoing a major re-development programme.

Yet the school, where 82 per cent of the intake has reading ages significantly below their real age, is praised for providing a harmonious and challenging learning environment.

The leadership is particularly praised and although performance in National Curriculum tests and external exams is below the national average, there has been an improvement in pupils overall performance.

Particular praise is given to performance in the spheres of art and drama and IT-information technology- is regarded as a growing strength in the school.

The quality of teaching in more than eight out of 10 lessons is described as sound or better, with half the lessons observed rated as good or very good.

In their summary of the school, the headteacher Mr Tony Buckley, governors and staff have their attention drawn to six areas of further development.

They include a more consistent approach to the demands placed on pupils, a more cost-effective deployment of staff and the encouragement of independent learning skills.

Summarising the inspectors findings, headteacher Tony Buckley, said: "The findings contained in the report recognise the remarkable progress the school has made over recent years.

"The key issues for action had already been identified in our school development planning.

"Parents can feel secure in the knowledge that George Tomlinson School is offering well balanced and carefully thought out educational experience for its pupils."

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