In secondary education, the Ridings School over many years has seen huge investment but no great improvement in standards.

St Catherine's Catholic High School has also become a flogging horse for Ofsted inspectors.

Even in the primary sector, where the controversial issue of selection plays no part, we hear repeatedly about special measures and notices to improve.

It might lead one to the false conclusion that a troubled area must necessarily be served by troubled schools. Or, to put it another way, that poorer households will automatically produce poor students and bad results.

Social deprivation is certainly a hurdle for schools to overcome. An intake of children from difficult backgrounds makes life harder for teachers, not easier. But not impossible either.

Which is why the recent Oftsed report for Illingworth's Whitehill Primary School makes such happy reading. It is, say inspectors, simply outstanding on all counts.

Head teacher Roy Hepplestone is singled out for particular praise for his energy and determination to provide the best possible education for every youngster that walks through his gates.

Every child is valued – and challenged to achieve their best, say inspectors.

This is a glowing endorsement, especially so when Whitehill draws its pupils from the same catchment area as many schools that fare far less well when the inspectors call.

Our congratulations go to all concerned.

It just goes to show what can be achieved by an inspirational head, dedicated staff and the right amount of support from parents and from the authorities.