MIDDLE school staff and pupils are celebrating after being labelled “outstanding”.

Christ Church, Church of England Middle School, in Stone, has come out with a glowing report from its latest Ofsted inspection.

The school was given the highest grade possible across almost all the inspection criteria and has been described as a place that does “many good things” for its pupils.

Headteacher Chris Waghorn said: “We are delighted with the report. Our last inspection was positive too so now we hope to improve again in time for the next one.”

Pupils are said to particularly enjoy lessons at the school when they are actively involved.

The school was also found to prepare pupils very well for the next stage of their education.

And the key to its success was put down to the head.

Mr Waghorn joined Christ Church 12 years ago and has turned it around from a failing school.

The inspector's report states: “The secret of the school's success is the highly committed headteacher, who works tirelessly to ensure that every child receives the best that the school can offer.”

Staff were also praised for providing an “excellent quality of teaching” and for using a variety of strategies to engage pupils' interest.

Mr Waghorn said: “I have worked very hard to create a calm, caring atmosphere at the school and I am glad the children enjoy coming here.

“I don't ask anyone to do anything I won't do myself and I lead by example.

“However, it has been a team effort that has got us where we are today.”

Suggestions for improvement included sharing examples of the most exciting teaching among all the staff.

Parents responded in a positive way to a questionnaire that was sent out at the time of the inspection and the school's 430 pupils also spoke highly of it.

One of them, Year Seven pupil Chloe Fenton, aged 12, of Stone, said: “I was expecting a good Ofsted report, because the school is brilliant.

“It is a nice place to come to and there is a good learning environment.

“The best thing about it is that the teachers are really friendly. They help you a lot when you are stuck.”

Kate Ecclestone, aged 12, of Stone, said: “I like coming to school here. It is fun. The teachers in most lessons are really helpful if you don't understand anything.”

Callum Burrows, aged 12, of Stone, said: “The school deserves a good Ofsted report. The best thing about it is the teachers. My favourite lesson is games. The activities that we do in that are really good.”

Stefan Kozel , aged 12, of Eccleshall, said: “I was really pleased that we got such a good Ofsted report. All the teachers here are really nice and good at what they do.

“It would be a disaster if we didn't have them.”

Molly Dean, aged 12, of Stone, said: “I enjoy coming to this school. It is the teachers who make it so good. You know that you can talk to them if they have any problems and they are nice and kind.”