STUDENTS and staff at Parkside School in Cullingworth have “hit the ground running” this autumn, says head Andy Taylor.

He said curriculum changes, new staff, higher aspirations and strong exam results have made a strong foundation for continued improvement.

In a letter to parents, Mr Taylor said: “We are once again delighted with our exam results and the continued improvement in student outcomes, which reflects the hard work of the this students and staff.

“This relentless drive for success and improvement continues.”

The school has introduced a new positive behaviour system, known as PBIS, that develops the existing ‘Pride in Parkside’ strategy.

Mr Taylor said the collection of data and reporting to parents had been simplified, in order to help parents maximise their children’s achievement.

He added: “We continue to have high expectations of your child and do not apologise for this.

“We ask for your support in continuing to embed the skills, attitudes and moral values that will ultimately lead to their success and development as a positive member of our community and society in general.”

Parkside will continue its partnership with Leeds Beckett University, a programme which helps students aspire to progress to college or university.

Parkside will also further develop its Aspire 2b programme, a careers opportunity for students across all year groups.

Mr Taylor added: “The school was the Northern Region winner 2018 for its career programme and was just pipped to the national award.”