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Ofsted inspectors have found that John Smeaton Community College - which just 14 months ago was handed a notice to improve - is now a good school with the capacity to improve even further.

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Inspectors attribute the incredible turnaround to the exemplary leadership of headteacher John Daulby and deputy headteacher Marilyn Steel.

Together they have 'established a relentless drive across the school to raise achievement and improve the life chances of all its young people'. This has resulted in standards rising significantly, and at a faster rate than the national average.

Inspectors also highlighted:

* Pupils make very good progress during Years 10 and 11, with GCSE results rising significantly at a rapid and sustained rate over the last three years.

* Good teaching which engages pupils more actively in their learning, with most pupils having positive attitudes towards learning.

* Good care, guidance and support ensures that every child's individual needs are met.

* Behaviour is generally good, and pupils feel safe and secure in school.

* The school does 'whatever it takes' to re-engage learners, resulting in rising attendance and a fall in the number of young people leaving school who are not in education, training or employment.

* Improved outcomes and aspirations of the most vulnerable pupils, including those with complex learning needs.

* A range of 14 to 19 options which give students the option to combine vocational and academic courses.


The report also praises the school's state-of-the-art new facilities, which have been built and maintained through a partnership between Education Leeds, Leeds City Council and Land Securities Trillium.

Inspectors found that the school building provides an environment that promotes learning, and pupils speak with pride about their school and the facilities available to them.

John Daulby, headteacher of John Smeaton Community College, said: "This report recognises what can be achieved with strong team work.

"The hard work of students and staff has been rewarded with rising levels of achievement which will continue in the coming years."

Councillor Richard Harker, executive board member for Learning, said: "This report tells us what we've known for some time – that this is a fantastic school with a very bright future at the heart of this community.

"I hope everyone at the school takes the opportunity to reflect on everything they've achieved, and the whole city celebrates such a stunning success story."

Chris Edwards, chief executive of Education Leeds, said: "The John Smeaton story is a truly amazing one. John Daulby and his colleagues have built something wonderful at the school, which is delivering brilliant outcomes at the heart of this community.

"People said that this was impossible to achieve. The school is an outstanding example of how learning can be transformed to give every child and young person in the city the chance to be happy, healthy, safe and successful."