BIRCHENSALE Middle School "has a special place in the community that cares about all its pupils" was the verdict of education chiefs following a recent visit.

Ofsted inspectors gave the Bridley Moor Road school the big thumbs up in their report published in the last week of term.

They found the school had made good progress since its last inspection in April 2000, particularly as it had been extended and refurbished.

Teaching was praised and inspectors commented that although many children arrive at the school with lower standards in English and maths than the national average, this was not the case when they left.

"In Year 7 and Year 8, pupils continue to make good progress and reach broadly average standards by the time they leave the school," said the report.

Chiefs also said: "Pupils enjoy their lessons and their positive attitudes towards learning ensure that most make good progress."

Headteacher Ingrid Bridgewater and her management team were said be a "dynamic team of committed staff who work hard to support pupils".

Students were congratulated for their on-going hard work with a disco and day of games and films, while staff enjoyed an after-school barbecue.

Mrs Bridgewater said: "I am delighted with the report and that the good work of my colleagues and the pupils has been endorsed."

Birchensale has also been celebrating its best ever Standard Assessment Test (SATs) results.