THREE was the magic number at Walkwood Middle School following a triple bill of success.

Staff and students at the Feckenham Road school were celebrating after receiving the thumbs up from Ofsted inspectors, being awarded an ArtsMark Gold and a Healthy Eating accolade, all in quick succession.

Education inspectors who visited last month found the school to be "good" and that "pupils achieve well and leave with above average standards".

The report heaped praise on the school's management team and said teaching was "good and at times outstanding".

Headteacher Peter Garner said: "The report is a vindication of our philosophy for Walkwood. We are not just about delivering the national curriculum and churning out test results but also about fascinating, challenging and inspiring children now.

''It has to be as much about attitudes and values as it is about knowledge and skills."

The school also received its second consecutive ArtsMark Gold award, recognising its commitment to promoting the arts and design, drama, music and dance. The award stands for three years.

"This is about opening up opportunities for the children -- the middle school years is the age of enthusiasm, where there is participation without the fear of cynicism," said Mr Garner.

And there was a third celebration after the school was praised for its promotion of healthy eating and exercise.

"It's no good training minds without considering the body, which houses the mind." added the head. "I think exercise is even more important than diet."