A MALVERN primary school that was placed in special measures five years ago has just received its second glowing report fromOfsted.

St Matthias C of E Primary School was visited by two inspectors last month, who observed lessons, studied pupils' work, and talked to staff, parents and governors.

And their report, just published, has rated the school as 'good', the second-highest rating Ofsted can award.

Head Claire Davies said she is delighted with the result, which is a tribute to the efforts of staff and governors. She was appointed head after the school was put into special measures in March 2009.

She said: "It's really great to have played a part in turning the school around. Our first Ofsted report was in July 2012 and they judged us as good then, so it's nice to be told that we're keeping up the standard."

Among the points noted in the inspectors' report is that children who enter the school with skills and knowledge below the norm for their age make good progress and leave with d standards at the national average.

Teaching is described as good, with a variety of activities in lessons to maintain pupils' interest. and marking is detailed and helps pupils by telling them how to improve their work.

And the head and leadership team, including governors, are praised for setting high aspirations.

But the report also says the most able pupils are sometimes given work that is too easy for them, and teachers need to check their progress more closely.

And pupils are not always given enough time to respond to their teachers' written comments on their work.

Mrs Davies said: "We are all exceptionally pleased that they have acknowledged that pupils are making consistently good gains in their learning.

"Ofsted always leave a school with the next targets to work on and they feel we could be more demanding of our more able children. This is something we are already working on and will continue to make it a strong focus for the future."