Not only did inspectors declare the quality of education at the school to be "very good", with students' educational and pastoral needs well met, but, they said, "The parents and the community can have confidence in the school's capacity for sustained self-improvement."

Following an inspection in January this year, the Education and Training Inspectorate identified Dromore High School's main strengths as including its caring and supportive ethos; the dedication, commitment and professionalism of the staff; the very good standards achieved in public examinations; the good or better standard of most of the teaching; a clear focus on self-evaluation and action planning by management at all levels to promote improvement and the effective leadership and vision of principal Mr. John Wilkinson and his management team.

The inspection focused on learning and teaching, leadership and management at all levels across the school and, in addition, specialist provision in mathematics, science (last year the school was selected to take part in a programme aimed at developing the concept of specialist schools tailored to meet the particular needs of Northern Ireland's education system)and history; it also evaluated the school's provision for pastoral care, including child protection.

Parents, governors, pupils and teachers were all consulted as part of the inspection.

Most parents who responded indicated strong satisfaction with the work of the school, particularly noting its high standing in the community, its caring and supportive teachers, good standards of education and the quality of pastoral care.

The governors too voiced strong support for the work of the school, praising its ethos, the leadership of its principal and senior management, its hardworking teachers and support staff and the good standards achieved in examinations.

In addition, the governors highlighted the need for sixth-form provision and some of the difficulties facing Dromore High School pupils when applying for sixth-form places in local grammar schools.

In discussions with the inspectors, pupils spoke enthusiastically about what they enjoyed in the school, the approachability of teachers and the encouragement they gave; they said they knew to whom they should turn if they had any concerns regarding their work, their safety and wellbeing.

The majority of teachers who completed a confidential questionnaire also expressed satisfaction with all aspects of the work of the school.

In particular almost all teachers said the principal provided effective leadership, there was good communication between senior managers and staff and they felt valued by the principal and management.