UPPER Wharfedale School has been recognised nationally by receiving an award for its outstanding key stage 4 results last year.

The award is based on 2019 data provided by the Department for Students and Teachers network (SSAT).

Upper Wharfedale School was found to be among the best performing secondary schools in the country

It received an award for being in the Department for Education’s Band 1 for student progress at key stage 4.

The SSAT Educational Outcomes database compares all state-funded schools in England and the highest performing schools in a range of key measures are awarded SSAT Educational Outcomes Awards.

Sue Williamson, chief executive of SSAT said:

“Congratulations to Upper Wharfedale School on winning the award.

“This success is down to the superb learning and teaching, outstanding support and inspirational leadership of students, staff, parents and governors.

“You have made a huge difference to the lives of the young people in your school.”

Headteacher Andrew Taylor was “delighted” to receive the award.

“It is nice to be recognised in this way,” he said.

“This is testimony to the dedication of all the teaching and support staff, to whom I owe a great deal of thanks and we congratulate all our students on their hard work and commitment.

“This comes at a time of unprecedented uncertainty for everyone, not least our current Year 11 students who will not be taking their exams this year.

“We cannot underestimate the effects of this on our children’s education, but I urge everyone to maintain a sense of perspective wherever possible.

“Never in our lifetime have we experienced an international pandemic such as this, and I hope we never will again.

“We all must prioritise the health and wellbeing of our families, friends, loved ones and indeed everyone in our local and wider community.

“I have always maintained that education is one of the most important things in life, but it takes second place in these circumstances.

“Please take care of each other and the rest will take care of itself.”

Students travel from an area of some 200 square miles, including many from Skipton, and being such a small school it prides itself on its inclusive nature, knowing each of those students individually.

It is an oversubscribed non-selective school within the selective system of the Craven area.