Ofsted is holding up a Ledbury school as a role model for good practice for others to follow nationally.

John Masefield High School is an official Ofsted case study for other schools to follow when it comes to offering “quality, alternative provision in a rural area”.

The school is highlighted for developing a wideranging curriculum for students of differing abilities.

Headteacher Andy Evans said: “We can be proud of our work in this area.”

While the school’s GCSE and A-level results are praised, the study’s focus was on the school’s alternative curriculum, distinct from traditional academic subjects, and the study found that “success was high in vocational areas”.

These included construction, equine, hair and beauty, motor vehicle mechanics, catering and sport.

The study read: “Nearly all students progress into further education, training or apprenticeships, often in related vocational areas. High success rates for students on these courses make a significant contribution to the school’s high GCSE pass rates and consequently high overall score for ‘value added’.

“Overall, school attendance has improved markedly over time, and this is reflected in the good attendance records of many students on offsite programmes.”

The study looked at the school’s Young Apprentice Scheme, which offers vocational training in disciplines such as hairdressing and car mechanics, as well as the Live and Learn project, which offers vocational opportunities to some students who may otherwise underachieve.

The school’s links with off-site training providers were also examined by inspectors.

Assistant headteacher Andy Williams said: “The results speak for themselves.

Last year, 100 per cen of our students achieved five GCSEs at grades A* to G for the first time in our history.

“Behaviour sanctions and exclusions for the target group were lower than in previous years.

“We believe this demonstrates students who take part in alternative pathways can succeed.”