A NORTH Tyne school has turned itself around to receive a good Ofsted rating.
Bellingham Middle School received the rating after a visit by inspectors earlier this month. An inspection in May, 2017 found that the school required improvement.
The school received the good rating for the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development and leadership and management.
Headteacher Helen Samuels said: “We are delighted that Bellingham Middle School has now been recognised as a good school in all categories under the new Ofsted framework.
“The excellent staff team here has been resolute, throughout a turbulent period, in putting the needs of pupils first, no matter what.”
The school, was threatened with closure as part of a review of education provision across west Northumberland, but was saved after a schools adjudicator overturned the council’s decision.
However, the middle school remains part of the Haydon Bridge Partnership where a two-tier primary and secondary model has been introduced.
Neighbouring first schools Bellingham, Wark, Kielder and Otterburn all converted to primaries in September, with plans for West Woodburn to follow in September 2020.
As a result, the council is planning to remove home to school transport for children outside Bellingham who want to attend the middle school.
The Bellingham Middle School Parent Teacher Community Association has been set up to raise funds to support the education of pupils and involve and support community projects.
Mrs Samuels added: “Parental support for Bellingham Middle School has been exceptional.
“We would like to thank all those who continue to support this lovely school, including our governors, who give freely of their time and expertise.
“Most importantly, we would like to acknowledge our fabulous pupils, whose behaviour and attitude make Bellingham Middle School a very special place to be.”
The report said the school should continue to develop the curriculum in order to improve.
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