STAFF and pupils at a Hampshire school are celebrating after receiving a glowing Ofsted report that applauded the school for providing youngsters with a top-notch education.

Impressed education inspectors described Swanmore College of Technology as a "very good and very effective school" that had made progress since its last inspection in 1999.

Maths, history, geography, religious education, music and design and technology were singled out as the school's strongest subjects with a "very good" rating, though every other department was also considered good.

Information and communication technology (ICT) was highlighted as a main strength.

Plaudits were also handed out for the high level of encouragement to gifted and talented pupils.

Inspectors also praised the school's head teacher, Annette Hillier, for her leadership skills and commended senior and middle staff for their supportive role.

Mrs Hillier said: "We are delighted that Ofsted has acknowledged our achievements.

"We are a hardworking and innovative institution which delivers a high quality of service."

Areas that inspectors highlighted for improvement were to develop the use of ICT for pupils in all subjects and to develop staff's management of a small minority of pupils with behavioural problems.

Staff have also been encouraged to strengthen pupils' involvement in their own progress.

Inspection team leader, Michael Miller praised Swanmore as a "school that knows itself well and is focused well on improvement".

He said: "The school has the ability and drive to be innovative and to embrace change."

SCHOOL REPORT:

MAIN STRENGTHS

Good progress in the development of pupil's personal and social skills.

Good leadership and management results in well-motivated and confident teachers.

Pupils appreciate and enjoy the course, making a strong personal development.

Very good links with external agencies extend the scope and quality of the course.

Well above average standards attained by Year 11 in national tests and examinations.

MAIN WEAKNESSES:

A few form tutors are insufficiently well focused in form of tutor time.

There are limited opportunities for pupils to use ICT in other subjects.

A small minority of pupils do not behave well enough.

A few Year 10 and 11 pupils are not fully involved in personal development.

STANDARDS ACHIEVED:

Achievements in Years 7 to 9 is good and very good in Years 10 and 11.

Standards by Years 9 and above are above average.

Standards in literacy are above average for Year 9 and well above by year 11.

Pupils competency in mathematics is well above average throughout.

Good achievement overall of pupils with special needs.

Achievement of gifted or talented pupils is very good.

Pupils attitudes, behaviour and attendances are good.

PARENTS' AND PUPILS' VIEW OF THE SCHOOL:

Parents find the school welcoming and like the work ethic and values promoted.

Parents consider the teaching good.

Pupils feel it is a good school where they are expected to work hard.

Some concern was expressed by pupils and parents about bullying by of a small minority - though action is being taken.

IMPROVEMENTS NEEDED:

Further develop opportunities for the use of ICT across the curriculum.

Behaviour management of a small minority.

Strengthen pupils' own personal development.