A FURNESS School is hoping to build on its latest Ofsted report.

Dowdales School in Dalton has been graded as a “good school” after inspectors paid the school a visit for a short inspection in November.

Inspectors said the staff at Dowdales 'clearly promote a culture where students come first'.

They also described the school as somewhere 'where equality and inclusivity are deep rooted', and a place where students are known and valued as individuals by staff.

Inspectors recognised the success of actions taken to improve mathematics at the school since the last inspection in 2013.

Teachers and staff said they were delighted the report recognised students’ attitudes to learning are a strength of the school, as well as the fact they feel safe.

Steps have already been put in to place to implement the improvements suggested by Ofsted including efforts to bring about further progress in the most able year seven students and boosting attendance and development of disadvantaged pupils.

Caren Hindle, chair of governors for Dowdales, said: “I am extremely fortunate as chair of governors at Dowdales to work with the staff and students within our school.

“Ofsted have rightly highlighted one of the strengths of the school is our students, commenting on both their behaviour and keenness to learn within the ethos of a safe and happy school.

“The commitment and hard work of all staff within the school is also recognised within the report."

She added: "We look forward to welcoming Ofsted inspectors back in to school later this academic year for a full two day inspection, in view of statutory timescales, where we will have the time and opportunity to highlight our many strengths and good progress that has been made since our last inspection five years ago.”

Julie O’Connor, head teacher at Dowdales, said: “Ofsted recognises that we are a good school.

“Plans have been in place for some time to address the two areas that Ofsted has highlighted in this inspection that we need to improve further.

“Our talented and hard-working staff are focused and clear about what needs to happen next.

“As head teacher I am ambitious for the school and for every young person at Dowdales and, together with parents and carers, will work hard to ensure that all our students receive the quality educational experience that they deserve.”