A SCHOOL which could close amid a review on faith education has just been rated ‘good’ by inspectors.
A report by Estyn judged every category of Blessed Edward Jones Catholic High School to be 'good'.
The Rhyl school is currently being discussed as part of a consultation which could see it, and St Brigid’s in Denbigh, close and merged to make way for a new school at a new location.
Inspectors say there has been significant progress at Blessed Edwards Jones.
The school was placed in special measures in December 2006 after a damning inspection and had them lifted in 2008 after a dramatic turnaround.
The ethos and behaviour was judged to be very good, inspectors also praised the improvements in teaching and learning, improving standards and the leadership of the headteacher which has driven forward the changes.
The report says: “The headteacher has a clear vision, and high expectations for the school, which are is well understood by all staff and pupils and are leading to higher standards.”
Parents at both St Brigid’s and Blessed Edward Jones have hit out at plans to merge the schools and a consultation is now underway to gather parents’ views.
Denbighshire County Council has said it feels “improved joint working between the two schools would lead to clear educational benefits for current and future pupils”.
Both the Anglican Diocese of St Asaph and the Catholic Diocese of Wrexham are backing plans for a new school.
Speaking about the Estyn report the Diocese of Wrexham said: "Blessed Edward Jones is a good Catholic school resulting from rapid progress and an increasing awareness of itself as a distinctive Christian learning community."
Angela Davies, chairwoman of governors said: "The governors are delighted at this excellent report. It highlights the good work of the school, the high standards of behaviour, discipline and academic results.
“I am grateful to all the staff and students for their work in making the school so successful."
Headteacher David Lewis said: "I am delighted that inspectors have recognised the wonderful hard working students at the school, the commitment and dedication of the staff and governors, and a determination to ensure the best possible opportunity for every student. The school is really moving forward."
A copy of the report can be found at www.estyn.gov.uk
The consultation will run until January 29.