A CIVIC leader who criticised Droitwich Spa High School for failing to achieve higher GCSE results has done a U-turn following a meeting with the headteacher.

Allan Foulds invited town and county councillor Peter Pinfield to the school following Coun Pinfield's comments that the school was not setting its sights high enough.

The school gained a 50 per cent pass rate of five or more GCSEs above Grade C in 2004. The national average is 55 per cent.

Coun Pinfield felt that it was not good enough and questioned whether parents thought it was acceptable.

But following a visit to the school on Friday Coun Pinfield said he was now pleased with the school's progress.

"It is very clear that governors working closely with the headteacher and the Local Education Authority set challenging targets for achievement at all levels in the school," he said.

"I recognise that standards are high and that the school has a great deal to be proud of. I am particularly impressed with a number of recent investments in the school including, in particular, advanced new technologies.

Town is privileged

"I think parents should feel confident that the town is privileged to be served by a leading Worcestershire High School."

Coun Pinfield had claimed that Worcestershire schools appeared to be "coasting" along and, compared with other education authorities, Worcestershire was falling behind.

"Somebody had to ask it and I hope my comments will have been seen as questioning rather than accusing," he added.

Headteacher Allan Foulds welcomed Coun Pinfield's remarks.

"It is always helpful for leaders in our community to be in touch with what happens at the school," he said.

"It is always important to be held accountable and be open about a school's achievements.

"There is huge enthusiasm among students and staff here and I am confident that we are all working very hard to secure the best future for the town's children.

"We both look forward to further improvements in the school's performance in relation to overall student achievement."