A SPECIALIST science college in Chester has had a ‘good’ rating from Ofsted.Š

The finding, which shows the school has ‘very positive features’ and is serving its pupils well, followed a two-day inspection of Chester Catholic High by five inspectors.Š

The voluntary aided school on Old Wrexham Road has 1,040 students on roll, including 238 in the Sixth Form.

In their report, the inspectors say that after a dip in performance in 2009, there has been an improvement and attainment is now average overall.Š

Learning and progress are good across the school including those students with special educational needs or disabilities, some of whom make outstanding progress.Š

The school provides a warm and caring environment in which all students are valued as individuals and the care, guidance and support they receive are good.Š

Their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is outstanding.Š

The vast majority of students say they feel safe in the school and their behaviour is good.Š

The quality of teaching is good overall and often outstanding.ŠRelationships between students and teachers are also good.Š

The curriculum is good although in some lessons activities are not matched sufficiently to the needs and abilities of students.Š

Headteacher John Murray ‘has effectively communicated a vision for the further improvement of the school’ say the inspectors and is supported ‘by an astute and knowledgeable governing body’.

The inspectors point out the school did not meet its own targets in 2010 or 2011 but its ability to achieve further improvement is satisfactory.Š