The inspectors highlighted many of the Maelor School's outstanding features, including an acknowledgement that teachers have exceptional working relationships with their pupils.

The report reads: "They make explicit their high expectations of pupils who are highly motivated as a result. This creates a purposeful and productive learning environment."

Headteacher Eiddwyn Hall, expressed his delight at the report.

He said: "The inspection team identified many outstanding features in their report including the contribution that the pupils' behaviour and positive attitude to learning make to the very high standards achieved.

"This positive inspection report is a tribute to the hard work put in by the pupils and students and to the dedication of the staff at the school."

The inspection team awarded the school a grade one for teaching, training and assessment and praised pupils and students for the courtesy they show to one another and to adults, commenting that it is "a major strength of the school".

They also said the "consistency of their good behaviour"
was "outstanding".

The inspection findings recognise the hard work put in during the past six years in improving the range of teaching and learning methods, which have resulted in the introduction of some innovative approaches.

Along with the challenge to learners and the quality of lesson planning, this has had a great impact on the learning of pupils and students including those with additional learning needs, the report said. Mr Hall said he was pleased the inspectors recognised that the quality of support and guidance provided by staff was an outstanding feature of the school and that all involved promoted an environment in which all learners could thrive.

"The school has worked hard on inclusion so that all pupils and students, irrespective of their background and ability, have the opportunity to achieve their potential and to make a useful contribution to all aspects of school life and beyond," Mr Hall said.

The report further acknowledges that the arrangements for monitoring and evaluating the performance are outstanding.

The school is commended for providing outstanding value for money, including prudent use of resources, which has allowed the it to make a significant investment in ICT equipment.

It was praised for its good relationship with partners including parents, partner schools and the wider community.

Recommendations for improvement include raising standards in the core subject indicators at Key Stage Four, ensuring greater consistency within and between departments in assessment, raising the standards of learners' bilingual skills and their knowledge and understanding of Welsh culture and carrying on working with the council to improve standards of accommodation.

Mr Hall said that the recommendations made are identified in the current school development plan and the school will continue to work to address the issues related to them in order to build on their achievements.