CELEBRATIONS have been taking place at an Evesham middle school after inspectors rated it good.

Simon De Montfort Middle School was visited by inspectors from Ofsted over March 6 and 7 and found to be good in all areas.

In the report inspectors identified commitment and energy from leading figures in the school, a good level of teaching with some being classed as outstanding and said good progress was being made English and excellent progress in maths.

The report also highlighted the good progress made by disabled students and those with special needs, as the school has a higher than national proportion of students with the needs.

The inspector also notes areas for improvement, including more consistency in the quality of teachers' marking and making sure more able students achieve as well as they should.

These are now at the forefront of headteacher Caroline Browne's mind.

She said: "We are very pleased with the outcome of the OFSTED visit. The report makes it clear that the school knows what to do to achieve the Outstanding grade and is on its way there.

"Inspectors recognised the high quality of pupils’ learning, and the strong, supportive ethos and teaching of staff.

"Our pupils are proud that their positive attitude and good progress has been recognised. Inspectors also recognised the strength of the federation and our partnership with the local community."

The school could also undergo some changes if a proposal to see it merged with Evesham High School is a success.

Under the plans the schools, which are currently part of a federation, would get a new name and changes would take place behind the scene in an attempt to reduce bureaucracy and enable more time to be spent on good teaching and learning.

The consultation stage ended on Friday as the school broke up for the Easter holidays but Mrs Browne said there had been no complaints about the possible merger.

"Through the school we have had no objections," added Mrs Browne. "Everybody is generally positive because nobody has complained.

"The children really won't notice much difference. The name of the school will have to change. We have put options to the pupils and the parents and governors. When we know if we can merge we will decide on a name then. Something new but something that reflects the history as well."