STAFF and pupils are celebrating after their school was highlighted as one of the best in the country.

The accolade comes after David Bell, the Chief Inspector of Schools, included South Bromsgrove High School in a report set to be read out to parliament at 11am today (Wednesday).

South was one of 45 schools across the country to be singled out for praise.

The report looked into very good or extremely effective schools which give a high quality of education and achieve well.

Delighted headmaster Phil McTague said: "This news comes on the back of being the top state school in Worcestershire for A-level results.

"I am thrilled to bits. It was a demanding report that looked into all aspects of school life."

The report gave credit to five main areas at South, including science, the use of information technology, the use of data, innovation and extra-curricular activities.

It noted the school was excellent and also offered excellent value for money. There were no areas of weakness highlighted as all were above average.

"It sets us up nicely for when we move into our new £20million campus in the next two years," said Mr McTague.

"A director of learning has now been taken on by the school to make sure we keep moving in the right direction," he added.