A DROITWICH school has been praised for its use of technology in school.

Westacre Middle School was awarded the prestigious national ICT Mark, from Naace, after proving that it had embraced technology both to enrich the curriculum and to administer the school.

Headteacher Donna Evans said she was delighted with the award.

She said: "It recognises our positive approach to the use of technology and the benefits it is bringing to our children.

"We believe that technology can be used in every aspect of learning and that it is essential our children are equipped for the modern world."

Paul Barber, the computing subject leader, added: "All the children and staff deserve credit for this achievement."

Among the features picked out in an external assessment was the school's network which runs two computing suites, iPads and well-resourced classrooms.

The fact that much financial investment in hardware and software had been made recently was noted.

The school website and twitter account was praised for communicating well with parents while the pupil digital leaders' cyber council had a high profile around the school.

The report found that children did more homework because they could log in at home and there was exceptional subject leadership as well as support from the headteacher and governors.

Staff were given strong support and training to use technology across the curriculum and there was a clear strategy for continuing to offer high-quality provision.

Nigel Huddleston, Mid Worcestershire MP, said: "It is important that young people have a solid grasp of modern technology from an early age, and there is no better way to develop this than being in an environment where technology is at the heart of everything, as it is at Westacre."

Mark Chambers, Naace CEO, said "They clearly demonstrate how important it is to take a whole school approach to using technology in schools.

"We look forward to working with Westacre to demonstrate how technology can have a substantial impact on learner outcomes in the future."

Droitwich South-East Councillor Richard Morris said Wychavon District Council was keen its school pupils could excel in the future jobs market.

He added: "This demonstrates the excellent ICT management and teaching that is taking place in local schools.

"As a past pupil of Westacre myself, I am very proud that the school is doing so well."