A BURNLEY school is to be used as a role model across the UK for its pupils' good behaviour.

Blessed Trinity RC College, in Ormerod Road, has introduced a number of measures to improve behaviour including banning mobile phones and make-up.

The measures have helped it come out of special measures and it is now rated good by Ofsted.

Now the Department for Education will use the school's model as a shining example to raise standards at other schools.

Deputy headteacher Phil Thompson said: “We had an Ofsted monitoring inspection in June 2011 and one again in February 2013 and the DfE noted the progress made in that time.

“What we have achieved is a consistent approach from staff so that pupils know where they stand.

One measure the school has implemented is a ban on mobile phones and electrical equipment. If used, these are confiscated and returned only to parents through the school’s reception.

Mr Thompson said: “The thought behind this was that phones and tablets were distractions to children in the classroom and anti-social devices at breaks and lunchtime.

“Similarly, we have made a concerted effort to ensure our students look smart, banning jewellery and make-up.

“In the classroom, there is a clear system that staff use of 'stages' with the appropriate responses, and this has massively reduced low-level disruption.

“Now every child is given every opportunity to flourish.”

The school also rewards good behaviour with their merit badge scheme. Merit points see pupils reach bronze, silver and gold badges. Mr Thompson said: “The pupils tell us they love the badges and the recognition that goes with it.”

In an e-mail to the school the DfE stated that they would the school as part of a plan to develop case studies in 'various areas of behaviour management that might be helpful to schools that are grappling with these issues'.

The DfE is also expected to feature the school in forthcoming publications.

Headteacher Richard Varey said: “I'm very proud of the excellent work our staff and pupils have been doing in order to make Blessed Trinity the warm and optimistic place it is.”