A BLACKBURN high school has been praised for its standards of teaching, learning and pupil behaviour.

And a government inspector gave parents a pat on the back, too.

Students at St Bede's Roman Catholic High School in Livesey Branch Road generally liked being there, were keen to learn and made good efforts to achieve their learning goals, said the inspector, Dr Ken Thomas.

Headteacher John Challoner commented: "I am delighted that Ofsted (the Office for Standards in Education) has recognised the high expectations and expertise of teaching staff.

"Ofsted has commented on our hard-working pupils and the commitment and partnership of our parents.

"Together, these three significantly contribute to the continued improvement and further raising of standards."

Four years ago, the Secretary of State for Education recognised St Bede's as an "outstandingly successful school."

Now, Ofsted has praised its pursuit of continued improvement. Dr Thomas praised the percentage of pupils achieving A-star to C grades at GCSE, which was well above average compared with similar schools.

The provision for pupils with special educational needs was described as very good.

Pupils benefited from very good careers education and there were strong links with the community.

The range of extra-curricular activites offered by the school was considered very good.

Teachers were praised for their high expectations, which were clearly communicated to pupils, and students' moral development was described as "very good." The school instilled a strong sense of right and wrong, which teachers promoted in their lessons through the example they set.

Mr Challoner said: "I am so proud of our pupils, but this report does not mean we can sit back on our laurels. We are a good school, and an over-subscribed one, but we will be using this excellent report to show us how we can go on to achieve even more."