STUDENTS and teachers are returning to Nunnery Wood High School after the holidays with the news that it has been given a ringing endorsement by inspectors.

The school, in Spetchley Road, Worcester, was given the second highest rating out of four.

The Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted) said the school was effective, with some aspects, including the breadth of its curriculum, outstanding.

Alun Williams, the school's headteacher, said: "We are delighted with the content of the report.

"It paints a very positive picture of the school, and a fair one.

"All of our grades are at least good, and some are outstanding and we are 'close to outstanding' in several other areas.

"However, we know that we are not perfect, indeed one of the most pleasing aspects of the report is that the very small number of issues identified by inspectors for us to improve is precisely those already identified by us."

Mr Williams said he was already planning for the next inspection in three years' time.

"Our aim is simple," he said. "Three years in which to be outstanding in every single category."

The report also said: "The leadership provided by the headteacher and the senior managers has successfully built on the strengths of the school."

The strength of the curriculum was particularly praised, especially the choice of subjects at GCSE and "very good vocational pathways and a well developed 14-19 curriculum". The care, guidance and support of students was judged to be good but there was some criticism of the state of toilets.

The report said health and safety policies were not always rigorously enforced, for example wearing eye protectors in practical lessons.

Ofsted said the school's new status as a science college had had a positive impact on management and standards.

It said the progress of students in the first three years of school was one of the best in the country.

"This is due to good teaching as well as a good attitude to work on the part of the students," the inspectors said.

THIS IS WHAT THE SCHOOL DOES WELL

l Students are given excellent guidance and support by the school.

l The curriculum is outstanding. It is broad, balanced and meets students' learning needs and aspirations very well.

l The leadership of the headteacher is outstanding. He has an ambitious vision for the school, backed by clear

strategic planning to bring

about improvement.

l Systems for monitoring students' progress are outstanding.

l The range of extra-curricular activities, including sports clubs, trips and visits are also outstanding.

... AND WHAT IT COULD DO BETTER

l Improve achievement in years 10 and 11 so it matches the high standards of achievement in the first three years, by improving the performance of weaker subjects.

l Develop the capacity of curriculum leaders to monitor and improve the quality of teaching in their areas.

l Ratings (out of four): Overall effectiveness *** Achievement and standards *** Personal development and well-being *** Teaching and learning *** Curriculum and other activities **** Care, guidance and support *** Leadership, management ***