AIREVILLE School is making "reasonable progress" towards the removal of government special measures.

In its third Ofsted inspection since being deemed inadequate in almost all areas in May last year, the Skipton school is praised for working "swiftly and determinedly to improve the quality and robustness of its performance".

Acting headteacher Helen Woodcock, deputy head at South Craven School, is singled out for her "outstanding and courageous leadership".

The number of students excluded is the lowest in four years, their behaviour has improved and there is a move towards higher expectations and aspirations.

"Communications with students and parents have noticeably improved, helping them to understand the steps that are being taken to bring about positive change and improvement," says Ofsted inspector Wendy Ripley in her report.

Miss Woodcock will leave at the end of the summer term to become head at Rossett School, Harrogate, and Wendy Hamilton, currently head of the Queen Eleanor School in Lincolnshire, also an academy, will become Skipton Academy's first ever principal.