A decade has certainly made a difference for an Oldbury school which was recently commended in a national report.

St Francis Xavier Catholic School, on Mckean Road, was listed as an outstanding provider in Ofsted's annual report after an inspection at the school last year.

The award marks a significant turn around for the school, which was placed under special measures after a previous inspection a decade ago.

Deputy Headteacher Mark Hinton said the school's revival was down to a culture of "high aspirations" among staff and pupils.

Mark said: "The pupils here know their education matters and have a good learning environment.

"Though we are a Catholic school we do have children from a great number of different cultures which we try and embrace.

"The recognition is a testament to the work put in by the staff over recent years to turn the school around."

There was also success for Moat Farm Junior in Oldbury which featured as an outstanding provider for the second time, an achievement matched in Dudley borough by Halesowen's Our Lady and St Kenelm Roman Catholic school.

Councillor Ian Jones, Sandwell's cabinet member for schools and lifelong learning, congratulated St Xavier's and Moat Farm on the recognition and said they set an example for the rest of the borough.

Cllr Jones said: "These schools are leading the way in terms of exemplary teaching and organisation.

"I am also pleased that at a primary level we have no schools in any lower categories which is also a great achievement."