IT'S "cool to learn" for pupils at a York secondary school, who are celebrating after getting an outstanding Ofsted report.

The education standards team visited Manor C of E School in May. Inspectors reported the standard of "teaching and learning is very good", and its 633 students had an "excellent attitude to learning".

The inspection team found improvement since the last inspection six years ago.

It was impressed with the strong partnership between parents, the community and other schools and colleges, with the good links having a positive impact on the progress students make.

Head teacher Brian Crosby said: "We are absolutely delighted by the report and we believe the report reflects the school that we know.

"The most important thing to us is that the relationship between the pupils and teachers is very positive. The ethos within the school has come across as one where, to use the inspector's words, it's "cool to learn" and to me that means a great deal."

Mr Crosby, who has been head at the school for three-and-a-half years, said he owed a debt of gratitude to former head master Peter Smith and Keith Scott, the school's chairman of governors who stepped down in September.

The report says students achieve very well because of the very good teaching they receive.

It said: "Students' excellent attitudes and the support they receive from their parents also make a major contribution to their achievement.

"Students' achievement is enhanced in response to the excellent ethos that permeates the school. Students come to school wanting to learn and do their best."

Among the schools weaknesses the report says teachers do not always use the wealth of assessment information available to them when matching work to their needs.

The school was made a specialist performing arts college last September and last week youngsters took part in four sell-out performances of Blood Brothers.

The musical combined Willy Russell's original script with new music composed by head of music, Keith Walden, with lyrics created by head of English, Andrew Crisp.

Updated: 11:15 Thursday, July 21, 2005