STUDENTS and staff at Baxter College in Kidderminster are celebrating after Ofsted inspectors praised their school for providing a “good” quality of education.

Following a two-day inspection last month, inspectors said pupils achieved well, teachers had good subject knowledge and high expectations, assessment was effective and staff were proud to work at the school.

They found the school to be “good” in all areas - four years after the Habberley Road school was placed in special measures by Ofsted after results dipped.

This time, inspectors said: “All staff have high expectations for what pupils can achieve. This means getting good qualifications and preparing them to be good, active citizens.”

They added: “Behaviour in the vast majority of lessons is good. Very little learning time is lost.

"Pupils enjoy their lessons and want to do well. Positive relationships between staff and pupils support pupils’ learning well.”

The inspectors found that safeguarding was a strength of the school and pupils told them they felt safe.

Their report said "staff know pupils well and take their concerns seriously" and "pupils at Baxter College are looked after well”.

Sixth form students told the inspectors their teachers “are ambitious for what they can achieve”.

The report said: “Students are highly motivated to do well and take responsibility for their learning.”

Inspectors added that attendance for some pupils was low, which negatively impacted on their learning.

Leaders also needed to regularly monitor and evaluate how well the needs of pupils with special needs were being met in order for them to reach their potential.

Responding to the report, principal Matthew Carpenter said: “Areas for development are being addressed and we are delighted that this time the inspectors recognised the great work that goes on here.

“Baxter College is a truly comprehensive school where every child matters and it is by working together that we achieve together.

“I would like to say a massive thank you to everyone in the school and wider community for their unceasing support and they can rest assured that our passion and commitment to provide the very best holistic education for our children will never be compromised.”

Baxter College is part of the Severn Academies Educational Trust and chief executive Chris King said: “This judgement is very well deserved and we are delighted to be part of their journey, to add support where needed and to be a conduit for some fantastic collaboration between our schools.”

Sarah Beadsworth, Baxter College chairman of governors, added: “I am so pleased for the staff and pupils that the inspectors acknowledged we are a good school, reflecting the wisdom and dedication of our teachers, support staff and leaders at all levels.”