INSPECTORS have praised a secondary school for its innovative curriculum and the outstanding way it helps teenagers prepare for working life.

An Ofsted report says Congleton High has improved significantly in recent years and is now providing a consistently good quality of education to its 1,074 students.

Young people are "keenly engaged" in their learning, are "mature, considerate and courteous", and make good academic and personal progress.

Their experiences are enriched by a very broad curriculum, which is designed to "capture the interests" of pupils.

Inspectors said opportunities for students to work with industry, are particularly successful.

And GCSE-age pupils also get to learn alongside sixth formers for one afternoon a week. This programme includes more than 30 options, ranging from taking an AS-level early through to studying musical theatre or sports leadership.

The report rates teaching at the Box Lane school as good or better in 85 per cent of lessons, although some homework lacks relevance. Inspectors say headteacher David Hermitt, pictured, is providing "admirable and visionary leadership" and the "hard work, high morale and unbending commitment" of staff to helping students is "palpable".

Other strengths include the high priority given to young people's safety and special needs pupils.