A MIX of vocational and academic courses is the winning combination for making lessons interesting for pupils at a Southamp-ton school.

Inspectors from the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted) described Woodlands Community School in Harefield as a "good" school with some outstanding features.

They were particularly impressed with the 776-pupil school's outstanding curriculum that is aimed at students' needs, equipping them for the world of work, further training or study.

Teachers were complimented for making learning interesting at the school that moved into new buildings in 2003 and has specialist status in science and engineering.

Youngsters were also praised for growing in confidence during their time at the Minstead Avenue school.

Staff were found to provide excellent care, guidance and support and the school's leadership and management were described as "outstanding".

Pupils' achievement, behaviour and attendance was described as "good overall".

However Ofsted inspectors said that standards in literacy at the school were "very low" and recommended staff concentrate on improving standards in English across the school. Head teacher Richard Martin said he was delighted with the Ofsted report.

"This is our first Ofsted for five years and confirms the excellent progress we have made. It is the first since we moved into our wonderful new buildings and confirms that we are indeed a good school. It is a reflection of the brilliant work by our dedicated and exceptional staff who give so much to our young people."

STRENGTHS

  • Outstanding leadership and management
  • Outstanding curriculum
  • Good overall achievement
  • Teaching and learning are good
  • Students' personal development is outstanding
  • Excellent links with parents and the community
  • Staff provide excellent care, guidance and support
  • Excellent support for students with severe behavioural, social and emotional difficulties
  • Attendance is good
  • Good pupil behaviour overall
  • Governors actively support the college

WEAKNESSES

  • Standards in literacy are very low

IMPROVEMENTS NEEDED

  • Ensure that there is consistent teaching of literacy throughout the college and improve standards of English

EDUCATIONAL STANDARDS

  • Students' achievements are good in relation to their low starting points
  • Pupils' attainment is well below the national average when they join the school
  • GCSE results showed a slight improvement in 2006 compared to the previous year
  • The strongest results have been in maths, science and applied vocational courses.
  • l The 2006 year nine results improved in mathematics and science but dropped substantially in English.