IRONIC isn’t it? Just months before a popular Swanage school shuts its doors for good it has received a glowing report from government inspectors who praised its “lively and very enjoyable” lessons and “well cared-for” students.

Despite a public campaign to save the school, it was a casualty of a re-organisation of schools in the area which will see it move from a three-tier to two-tier system from September.

Head Dave Pratten and his staff are determined that the remaining 218 pupils in the school will leave with not only good memories of their time there but also the academic and social skills needed for the next stage of their education. Although many staff, including Mr Pratten, will be made redundant, there is an upbeat mood which will set the youngsters up well for the future.

“It is two years since the decision was made to close the school which meant there was a danger of it dying a slow death,” said Mr Pratten. “We want to go out on a positive note and want the children to look back and say their last year at Swanage Middle School was worthwhile, memorable and fun.”

Children usually leave the school at the end of Year Eight but this summer they will be joined by their Year Seven and Year Six colleagues.

Among the schools they will move to include Purbeck School, the proposed new Swanage School and grammar schools in Poole.

Mr Pratten said a combination of hard work from parents, teachers, students and governors has ensured the school received a rating of Good when Ofsted inspectors visited in December.

“Everyone is very supportive and that is why the school has improved,” said Mr Pratten. “It remains a very busy school and we like to give the children a wide range of opportunities.

“We want this to be the best year ever.”

Pupil Roni Taylor summed it up when she said: “The teachers could have just decided to give up and slack off but they didn’t. “They feel like friends as well as teachers and I think we will all be sad to leave.”