EDUCATION inspectors have said crisis-hit Baxter College is on the road to recovery.

Just two years after being told to shape up its act in a damning Ofsted report, the former Harry Cheshire High on Habberley Road, Kidderminster, is to finally come in for praise for its September re-inspection.

The full report is not out until October 30 but new headteacher David Seddon - a "super head" brought in to sort out the beleaguered school - said he had been told by inspectors to expect a far more positive response.

"They have been really impressed by what has been achieved in a short time," said Mr Seddon, who took up his post in May.

The quality of teaching and a turnaround in pupils' attitudes had particularly impressed the Government inspectors, said Mr Seddon. "One of the problems we have had is that we did not have a full teaching staff - there were a lot of supply teachers in but now we have a full staff. One kid said 'it's nice to have proper teachers'.

"They talk about the attitude of the children, of them having a real sense of pride in the school - which is a complete change."

But exam results were still below average, Mr Seddon was told, while poor attendance was hitting standards at the school.

The number of students staying on to go to the adjacent Sixth Form was not enough and the number of courses there were inadequate.

However, Mr Seddon - a former Kidderminster Harriers player - said the good news should stand the school in good stead for Worcestershire County Council's impending education review, which could recommend it merge with Wolverley High and King Charles I onto two Kidderminster sites.

County council spokesman Lee Shrimpton said: "It is in our plans to keep the (Baxter College) site for education purposes."

Praising staff and pupils alike, Mr Seddon added: "The inspectors were expecting to see more of the same and for the school to be put in special measures. But what they saw was a dramatic improvement over the last nine months."

Ofsted inspectors judged what was then Harry Cheshire High to be the first underachieving high school in the county after 2001's inspection. Worcestershire County Council have since pledged £700,000 to improving the school, renamed last year.