AN OFSTED report has praised Herefordshire's only Catholic secondary school for practising what it preaches.

The report - and an accompanying assessment of religious education - cites St Mary's High School's stance on spiritual development as 'outstanding', with students carrying out 'impressive work' for charities and counselling younger pupils.

St Mary's, at Lugwardine, near Hereford, has long been among the county's top academic performers and recently received specialist science college status.

OFSTED inspectors marked the school highly for what goes on its classrooms.

In this report the team paid particular attention to the school's ethos outside class.

Teachers have 'very high' expectations of pupils' conduct and, as a result, pupils behave 'very responsibly' during lessons and at other times.

Those pupils also 'get along very well' with each other, sharing ideas and resources amicably. Their 'out-going and confident' approach made for a 'lively and vibrant' atmosphere.

At St Mary's, the report said, it was considered 'cool to learn'. However, the school could do better in the teaching of citizenship as some areas of information communications technology.

Head teacher Clive Lambert said that overall the report proved a 'positive experience'. "There was much affirmation for the strengths and good advice to help us improve where we need to."