A SCHOOL’S collaborative work with its neighbours has been praised by Ofsted.

Inspectors said Hexham Middle School was working more closely with colleagues in first and high schools in the area to raise standards, and create a coherent curriculum, in a recent report which found the school continued to be good.

In the report, inspector Malcolm Kirtley also praised the school for responding well to the demands of a new curriculum, while teachers “promoted positive behaviour, as reflected in the very good conduct and constructive attitudes that pupils display in lessons, assemblies and at social times.”

Further highlights from the inspection included the care provided by the pastoral team, the safety pupils feel in school, the strong level of safeguarding arrangements and that leaders pursued concerns over pupil’s welfare in a prompt and determined manner.

In addition, the extra-curricular programme offered to children, from gardening to sport clubs and visits to art galleries and places of historical interest, was a great boost to the school, said Mr Kirtley.

However, the report did identify areas for improvement at the school, particularly the need to address the difference in pupils’ progress.