A "GENUINE" comprehensive school in Pocklington is celebrating outstanding results in a Government inspection.

A team of Ofsted inspectors descended on Woldgate College earlier this month, and gave the school a glowing report.

Head teacher Jeff Bower said: "It is a terrific report. It's the end of a six-year journey to try to get creativity at the heart of what we do. It is a validation of what we have done. By lunchtime of the first day of the inspection, we were beginning to get very positive comments, but when we saw it on paper it was even better than we had thought."

Mark Williams, the chief inspector, wrote a letter to pupils after the inspection. In it, he said: "The college cares for you very much and, as a result, we have graded care, guidance and support as outstanding. You do so well because Mr Bower's leadership and that of the governing body is also outstanding.

"We really enjoyed inspecting Woldgate College, but what impressed us most of all was you, the students. Your pride and commitment to your college, your good levels of maturity and your appreciation of all the staff do for you show what good citizens you are."

The school takes 1,400 youngsters aged between 11 and 18 from Pocklington and the surrounding area.

Mr Bower said: "It's a real fillip for everyone. This is a genuine comprehensive school. We take allcomers. We have the biggest catchment area in the county, and our pupils are getting an outstanding education. As a true comp, to get results like this is marvellous."