PUPILS and teachers are celebrating after an Eden secondary school was judged 'good' by Ofsted inspectors, just six months after being placed in special measures.

The speedy turnaround at Kirkby Stephen Grammar School has been hailed by new head teacher Gary Hartley as "a testament to the hard work and commitment of the staff and students since suffering the shock of being categorised as inadequate".

Back in March, inspectors deemed the 390-pupil school was failing to keep its pupils safe - although teaching, learning and pupil outcomes were described as good.

Since then, Ofsted says school leaders have worked "quickly and robustly" to tackle shortcomings in safeguarding. Steps taken include a new door locking system, and creating a single point of entry for students by shutting off some paths into the school site. A security fence has not been built but is under consideration.

In their report, Ofsted inspectors said: "There is a significant shift in the culture of safeguarding, which now runs throughout the school. All aspects of safeguarding are scrutinised and everybody is keenly aware of the role they play in keeping pupils safe. The school is now a safer environment which is appreciated by pupils."

Pupils were described as "courteous and well mannered" and a recent focus on smart uniform had paid off, said Ofsted, with students looking "ready to learn".

Inspectors added: "Positive relationships between staff and pupils are the backbone of this school. Mutual respect and care resonate throughout the school. Staff know the pupils and their families well."

In a statement, head teacher Mr Hartley praised the support given by parents, carers and the wider community to help achieve a positive judgement at the school - England's smallest secondary with a sixth form.

John Weir, chair of governors, said: "This report focusses on so many of the strengths which make a small school like ours such a special place - with teachers who know their pupils and their families and young people who enjoy and are proud of school; it is a caring, nurturing, happy place to learn and grow.

"Few people believed we could turn an inadequate judgement into a good one in such a short time and that we have done so is testament to the dedication of everyone, staff, pupils and governors at KSGS."

The Ofsted team noted the attendance of some disadvantaged pupils could be improved but said the school was working tirelessly to improve attendance. Absence across the school was significantly below the national average.