PUPILS at Minehead Middle School are all smiles after receiving a glowing Ofsted report.

The school was rated ‘good’ with outstanding features following a visit from the governing body at the start of this month.

Head teacher Paul Rushforth says the findings reflect the good work being achieved in the school.

He said: “We’re delighted that Ofsted has recognised our results, achievement and outstanding behaviour and it is testament to the hard work, dedication and commitment from staff and colleagues.

“Our whole school community remains committed to each of our children enjoying an outstanding school experience every day.”

The report – published last Thursday – gave an overall rating of ‘good’ and said pupils’ behaviour and safety, as well as the leadership and management of the school, were ‘outstanding’.

It highlighted that teachers have “good subject knowledge” and that the “high quality of their marking and feedback to pupils is a particular strength”.

Lead inspector Paul Sadler also described pupils as “smart, sensible and polite” and said they behave “exceptionally”, both in and out of class.

Mr Sadler added: "Teachers know which pupils need extra help," however, to improve further he said: “The school needs to speed up the progress in learning mathematics of pupils in Year 6 who are of average attainment.

“Once these pupils have mastered a basic skill, move on quickly to teach them how to use it to solve mathematical problems.”

Mr Sadler also said work needs to be done to improve children’s progress in French lessons but felt youngsters achieve well in history, geography, PE and creative subjects.

The 549-pupil school converted into an academy in June 2011 and is a member of the Exmoor Coast Federation of Schools.

Its predecessor school, also called Minehead Middle School, was judged to be ‘good’ in its previous Ofsted inspection.