A SCHOOL in Bromsgrove has been rated 'outstanding' by The Church of England Education Office for its 'clear Christian vision', 'exemplary leadership' and 'supportive environment'.

The mandatory Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools (SIAMS) was carried out at St John's Middle School in May, where inspectors found its pupils were making 'outstanding progress'.

A follow-up report highlighted the strong quality of relationships between all levels of the school team, as well as Christian values of love, forgiveness and peace underpinning every area of school life.

One parent told the inspector their child had developed more empathy and care since attending the Watt Close academy.

It was graded the highest possible rating in all criteria, maintaining the overall 'outstanding' result it received in its last SIAMS inspection in 2012.

The school has now been tasked with establishing global links to make pupils more aware that Christianity is a 'multi-cultural world faith'.

St John's headteacher Geraint Roberts said: "I'm very pleased with the result, particularly that the quality of relationships between staff and children has been recognised.

"One of the things the inspectors picked out was how well we identify talent and nurture it to improve the confidence of our children so that they flourish - both in the classroom, academically and beyond.

"Our focus on music and sport has helped us to really develop the whole child, which is the core of what SIAMS is all about. And that is our ethos here at St John's."

More than 20 per cent of the school's 657 students are now learning to play an instrument or sing.