Pupils are ‘extremely proud’ to attend a grammar school which has one again been declared as ‘outstanding’.

Clitheroe Royal Grammar School received the highest rating from Ofsted following a two-day visit in November.

The school has not been inspected since becoming an academy, with the last full inspection having taken place in 2006.

Inspectors praised the pupils for their ‘exceptional behaviour’ and ‘admirable levels of respect for each other’.

Headteacher, James Keulemans said: “I am so pleased that our wonderful children, supportive parents and excellent staff and governors have been recognised in this way.

“We are so privileged to work within such a vibrant school community and with dedicated young people that our day-to-day experience is a pleasure.

“It is wonderful that this has been acknowledged and that the school’s quality of provision has been judged ‘Outstanding’ across the board, testament to the continued effort that everyone puts in to ensure our students receive a top quality education.”

Leaders set ‘high expectations’ for pupils and are zealous in their efforts to develop pupils’ and students’ wider development as well as their academic achievements

The report reads: “Pupils and students are prepared remarkably well for the next stage of their education, employment or training.

“Pupils and students feel extremely well represented in the school. They talked positively about what leaders and teachers do to ensure that everyone is included and diversity is celebrated.

“Pupils appreciate immensely the positive relationships that they have forged with teachers. As such, pupils and students feel safe.”

The school places high importance on languages, with many pupils studying the English Baccalaureate suite of subjects in key stage 4.

In key stage 5, there is a ‘wide range of subject options that they can pursue to help them achieve their future career aspirations’.

The report added: “Learning is often supplemented with wider subject-related reading, projects and overseas trips.

“Pupils and students are encouraged to be independent and resilient learners.

“They leave school as critical thinkers who have a thirst for knowledge.”

Pupils and students with SEND, and disadvantaged pupils, receive fulsome support in school.

Governors are highly skilled and knowledgeable and safeguarding measures are effective.