For 16 months a tireless battle has been fought to save the school from council plans to close it.

A parents' campaign group was set-up, called Retain Education At Castle Hall (REACH), and with backing from pupils, teachers, governors, councillors and MP Shahid Malik the opposition to the closure was deafening.

And this week the schools' adjudicator Canon Richard Lindley overturned Kirklees Council's plans to axe the school and expand Mirfield Free Grammar School.

In his report, released on Tuesday, he said: "It is clear to me from the evidence presented to me that the proposals have failed to capture the imagination and support of all but a tiny number of local people, with unanimous opposition from both schools and staffs, almost all pupils, and almost all parents, others with an interest and, in terms of MFG and residents."

He added that although he recognised the strength of the council's case, he found some aspects unconvincing.

Castle Hall headteacher Andy Pugh and chairman of governors Brian Nicholson said they were "thrilled and delighted".

In a joint statement they said: "We always knew we had a strong case against closure. Castle Hall School has remained a popular, successful and over-subscribed school – even in the face of two separate proposals to close us."

REACH leader Karen Rowling added: "I am on top of the world. I found out when I was at work and I was just screaming and everybody was looking at me. Just to know we have saved the future of education in Mirfield for our children is fantastic."