A BROMSGROVE school judged five years ago by Ofsted as ‘inadequate’ has been awarded ‘outstanding’ at its latest inspection.

Children and staff at Aston Field Middle School on Drummond Road celebrated after government inspectors gave their highest rating for the achievement of pupils, quality of teaching, behaviour and safety of pupils and leadership and management of the school.

Headteacher Mr Stephen Cox, said: “I am delighted that Ofsted has recognised the outstanding achievement and behaviour that our pupils demonstrate. They are a credit to their parents and carers and to the school.

“I am also pleased that Ofsted has noted that teaching is outstanding as staff at Aston Fields Middle School has worked incredibly hard to improve the school and they deserve such an accolade.”

Offices Balbir Kaur-Pierpoint, Graham Crerar and lead inspector Rob Ridout visited the school on Wednesday, June 25.

During the visit they observed teaching and learning in 16 lessons and also attended shorter visits to lessons, tutorial sessions and assemblies.

Offices held meetings with the headteacher, leaders, managers and other members of staff.

The report said: “Students are clear about their target grades and know what they need to do to achieve them. Encouragingly, the vast majority of students are ambitious for themselves and many want to exceed their targets. Students praise their teachers and said that they worked hard because the teachers respected and work hard for them.

“Standards are very high in English, mathematics and science and rising. All groups, especially the more-able students, achieve extremely well within these subjects. This was because teachers provide individualised, tailored programmes to support students to secure faster progress.

“Disabled students and those who have special educational needs make at least good progress. This is because teaching is closely matched to their learning and teaching assistants provide high quality support that contributes to their success.

“Good planning supports the seamless transition of students into the school.”

Mrs Jean Richardson, chair of Aston Field Middle School governors, said: “This outstanding outcome is well deserved. Aston Fields Middle School truly is an outstanding school. The governing body is proud of what has been achieved over the past five years and is looking forward to the continued success of the school.”

Officers said that the school could improve by embedding further the high-quality feedback and guidance given to students on how to improve in all subjects to match the best in the school.

In 2013, Government Initiatives IQ selected the school as one of the most improved in the county.