A WHOLE school enjoyed a day out on a sightseeing tour of York on buses to get to know their own city.

The 227 pupils from St Aelred's RC Primary School took in the major sights as part of their work learning about British values.

Executive headteacher, Derek Sutherland, said: "What better way than to look at York with all its history and learn about British values and find out about our history and where we have come from in a fun and exciting way?

"Safeguarding British values is high on the Government's agenda.

"Our pupils come from a wide area including Tang Hall, Osbaldwick and Heworth and don't get into town very often."

The school is celebrating a recent Ofsted report that continues its 'good' rating.

"The school has been praised for its rapid improvement. It's a great accolade of how the staff, children and parents have all pulled together and we are proud of all who have contributed to this great achievement," Mr Sutherland added.

"The continued 'good' status shows we haven't been resting on our laurels. And we will continue to concentrate on higher attainment, especially working on Key Stage 1 in greater depth."

In a letter to parents Mr Sutherland said: "As alway's there's work to do and this Ofsted report helps us focus on the areas needed to make St Aelred;'s an even better place to learn.

"The governors and school leadership team will agree a clear development plan to build on our already strong rating as we move forward."

He was praised by the Ofsted inspector, Alan Chaffey, who wrote: "Since your arrival as headteacher in September 2015 you have been unrelenting in your drive to improve the quality of education at the school.

"The rapid improvement in teaching and the standards pupils achieve is down to a strong collaboration from all those connected to the school."

Pupils were praised too: "Pupils enjoy learning at the school because teachers plan interesting activities that stimulate their curiosity and challenge them to make good progress," the report states.

"Pupils' attitudes to learning are excellent; pupils in class are settled in a productive environment and their lessons proceed without disruption"

Mr Sutherland is also headteacher of Our Lady Queen of Martyrs RC Primary School. He said St Aelred's will have a new headteacher in November, Suzanne Ulyett , who is currently the deputy headteacher of Lady Elizabeth Hastings Primary School in Thorp Arch.