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

Mr Taylor said curriculum changes, new staff, higher aspirations and strong exam results were among factors that had contributed to make a strong foundation for continued improvement during the year.

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 that has run in recent months.

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

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 Beckett University, which is in Leeds, 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.”

Parkside School this month held its heat for the annual Future Chef competition, with six entrants and a closely-fought competition.

The young cooks who took part in the contest were Abi Taylor, Arabella Perfect, Tasha Nasir, Oliver Rhodes, Tom Jepson and Millie Lee.

Staff members from across the school acted as judges.

Majella McColgan, a spokesman for Parkside School, said: “After a very close judging we had two students come joint first - Tom Jepson and Tasha Nasir. These two will now go on to the local final in Leeds on the November 21.

“Last year Parkside student Imogen Pickles travelled to London with food tech teacher Sarah Trowers and came 3rd in the national event held in London.”

Imogen won praise from celebrity chefs for her culinary creations after winning in a regional heat.