Parents of new pupils at a Huddersfield school have given a big thumbs-up to a strict behaviour scheme.

At a Year 7 parents’ evening at All Saints Catholic College, the Behaviour for Learning (BFL) programme was the topic which attracted much positive feedback from mums and dads.

Their evaluation forms highlighted the scheme and the discipline as one of the things they liked best about the Bradley school.

One parent wrote: “There seems to be a very positive attitude throughout the school with high expectations and a good handle on behaviour.”

Many others singled out the school’s discipline and the good behaviour of pupils as top features.

BFL is a carrot-and-stick scheme – with the emphasis firmly on the carrot – designed to improve pupils’ behaviour and focus within school.

Misbehaving students are dealt with immediately with verbal warnings and, if persistent, detentions. Good behaviour, hard work, leadership and helping others earns praise and reward tickets for prizes and privileges.

BFL was introduced to All Saints in September 2012. This year’s intake had two weeks to learn the rules before being becoming subject to the discipline system.

Headteacher Anita Bodurka says that the scheme has undoubtedly improved behaviour at the school and led to pupils being more focussed and able to work alone in lessons.

Staggered breaks and mealtimes have resulted in a calmer atmosphere in the dining room and corridors.

She said: “We were very pleased with the praise from the parents. Behaviour for Learning is definitely starting to embed.

“Students engage better in tasks and activities, leading to more independent learning. And when they are focussed in the classroom, their learning is improving

“The staff are happy with the system and the children enjoy the rewards. We all like to be told ‘Well done,’ there is a lot more of that.”

All Saints has double reason to be happy. Last year their NEETS rate (of school leavers not going on to education, employment or training) was 1.6%, compared with 4.22 across Kirklees. This year’s figures look set to be even better.