THE sixth form at The Chase in Malvern has been judged outstanding in every category by inspectors.

It is the high point in a good all-round report for the large and popular secondary school which benefits from specialist technology and language status.

Standards at the school, in Geraldine Road, are well above the national average and in the sixth form, students make excellent progress.

The behaviour of a minority of students was criticised, however, and the school has been told to improve the progress of some weaker students before they do their GCSEs.

Headteacher Kevin Peck said he was pleased with the report, particularly as there had been a high staff turnover since the last inspection.

He said: "Given the increase in Ofsted's standards and the changes experienced in the school, this report is the real triumph.

"We are particularly delighted at the outstanding verdict given to the sixth form and pleased to see that our analysis of how the school needs to develop was agreed with by Ofsted. There's not a single school that doesn't have a small minority of students who are disruptive, and it's something to improve even more, but this is a report that's a credit to the students and staff."

The report, from the Office of Standards in Education (Ofsted), said there was a "distinctive common purpose" among the adults at the school, which resulted in a good mix of teamwork and independent study by students.

Inspectors added: "The school has benefited from specialist school status, which has helped to improve access to information technology and strengthened links with local primary schools and the community.

"The majority of students are keen to learn, polite and welcoming.

"Movement around the school requires little supervision and students generally feel safe and cared for.

"However, the school is aware that the behaviour of a small minority of students is significantly disrupting learning in some lessons and is a source of concern among parents."

The report said the quality of teaching was good as a result of well planned lessons, effective questioning and regular opportunities for students to take responsibility for their learning.

The school's sixth form helped students develop into mature young people thanks to an excellent range of opportunities.

"Sixth form students make excellent progress and achieve extremely well because they are taught very well and have very positive attitudes to their work.

"The academic curriculum for the sixth form is outstanding, while a satisfactory range of vocational courses is developing."