A KEIGHLEY Catholic school has been graded "Good with outstanding features" in an inspection carried out by the church diocese.

The section 48 inspection of Holy Family Catholic School, carried out by the Diocese of Leeds, praised the school's commitment to "traditional gospel values".

Reacting to the report's findings, Holy Family head teacher Martin Hings said: “It was many years ago, well before the current emphasis on results was established, that Cardinal Hume said Catholic schools must be about the pursuit of goodness alongside academic achievement.

"We believe that we do have the balance correct here at Holy Family.”

The inspectors awarded "Good" grades for the school's Catholic Life, Religious Education, Collective Worship and Overall effectiveness in providing Catholic education.

Their report concluded: "Holy Family has at its heart a deep and visible commitment to the gospel values.

"A well-established triangle between school, home and the community supports all the school is doing to provide a contemporary education alongside a commitment to service and moral responsibility.

"Effective strategies for tracking and monitoring student progress are now in place and used diligently to identify students who need intervention.

"Standards of progress and attainment in religious education require improvement but the quality of teaching is good overall."

The inspectors highlighted the school's attractive, well equipped classrooms, noting that progress and attainment in Holy Family's sixth form was good.

"Pupils say they feel safe in school and speak highly of their headteacher and teachers," they added.

"Behaviour around school is good, pupils respect each other and staff. Very good relationships exist.

"The school is highly inclusive, often taking pupils rejected by other schools. Inclusion is understood by all the school community and they demonstrate clearly the Christian values of tolerance, understanding and forgiveness.

"Holy Family has a very mixed cultural and ethnic pupil body. There is a strong emphasis on inclusion and mediation throughout which is appreciated and endorsed by both parents and students.

"Pupils are well informed about the diversity which exists and are knowledgeable and understanding of each other’s faiths.

"Pupils, parents and governors praised the dedication and care given by all the staff, which they feel helps to create a caring, family atmosphere where all are valued and all can achieve their potential.

"Many parents are past pupils of the school, affording a sense of continuity.

"A sense of passion for Catholic education is detectable in and around school.

"The sense of community cohesion and drive is strong. Leaders and staff work within school and the wider community demonstrating gospel values which are at the heart of all they do."