North Manchester High School for Girls in Moston has been hailed as a model for others to follow.

Government inspectors have praised the school for making good progress in developing work related learning (WRL) and enterprise education for all students in Key Stage 4.

The school has plans to focus on the areas of careers education and guidance, work experience, including a mock interview for all students, and citizenship.

There are plans for all students to take a WRL and enterprise accredited course from September. The school is also praised for good collaboration with five other schools and the local FE college, and the availability of AS courses in maths, media studies and film studies.

The praise comes as the schools watchdog Ofsted publishes a new report that shows increased flexibility and work-related learning can help pupils re-engaged with learning.

Ofsted has found that, as more schools offer a broader choice of tailor-made courses and vocational programmes, behaviour and attendance have improved and achievement has been raised.

Miriam Rosen, Ofsted's Director of Education, said: "I would like to congratulate the headteacher and staff at North Manchester High School for Girls for their success in providing a broad curriculum at Key Stage 4 that meets the needs of pupils.

"Greater numbers of schools are offering a more diverse range of qualifications, particularly vocational subjects, which are re-engaging students in learning and increasing their motivation.”

Chris Moloney is the deputy head teacher in charge of Key Stage 4 and the curriculum development in the school. She says: "We have prioritised the idea of promoting a varied curriculum which works for all the students, and have been very successful. We have a wide range of courses and enrichment activities to accommodate the abilities and needs of all our students, and to encourage them to continue learning after Year 11.

“The school also has a great emphasis on career planning, and facilitates many visits from employers and organisations thanks to their excellent relationships with local businesses."