PUPILS at Evesham High School learn well as a result of consistently good teaching according to Government inspectors.

Thirteen Ofsted inspectors visited the school between March 12 and 15 and praised the staff for the quality of teaching, their caring attitude towards students and for a curriculum focused on meeting their needs and aspirations.

The inspectors also said that the school had made satisfactory progress overall since the previous inspection and that standards had risen.

"There has been some improvement in the quality of teaching with a resultant improvement in students' learning and in the use of research skills," says the inspectors' report.

Other positive points included the very good provision for pupils with special educational needs.

But the Ofsted inspectors pinpointed a number of areas which could be improved at the school.

They said Evesham High did not provide adequate religious education throughout the school, and that it had not kept pace with requirements in information and communication technology.

Overall management was also criticised, as was governor participation. Inspectors said that a coherent long-term strategy for improvement in the school was lacking, and that governors were not sufficiently involved in shaping its direction.

Governors chairman Frances Smith said: "The governors and staff have taken on board Ofsted's key issues for the school. I feel it is only fair to point out that under-funding of Worcestershire schools is a concern we all share and that fair funding would give Evesham High School an extra £240,000 per year and ICT facilities to rival any school in the country."

She added that shortly after the Ofsted inspection governors were delighted to receive an Investors in People Award in recognition of the school's commitment to staff development and school improvement.