STAFF and pupils at Highampton are celebrating success after the school was granted 'outstanding' status by Ofsted.

The school was rated outstanding in every area of inspection: achievement of pupils, quality of teaching, behaviour and safety of pupils and leadership and management. This is the highest grading given by the inspectorate.

The report shows a marked improvement since their previous inspection in 2009, when the school was rated satisfactory.

The inspector concluded that the efforts by school leaders to develop outstanding teaching is of an 'exceptionally high quality', and that the dedication and attention to detail shown leaves the school 'extremely well placed to continue to get even better in the future.'

In his report, inspector John Cavill wrote: 'The pupils' outstanding achievement starts from the moment they enter the school where they are inspired and encouraged to excel in everything that they do.

'All pupils are highly motivated, keen to attend school regularly and focus on their learning throughout the day. As a consequence they are making exceptional progress and achieving high standards in all subjects.

'The quality of teaching is outstanding.

'Lessons are expertly planned and delivered by an excellent staff team. They are stimulating, exciting and thoroughly enjoyed, ensuring that the work is set at exactly the right level for individual pupils.

'The headteacher and her highly committed team have ensured that the school continues to improve and evolve.

'Their excellent leadership and management have continually focused on improving standards for the pupils in order to improve their future life chances.

'All leaders, including governors, have high expectations and their work to develop outstanding teaching is of exceptionally high quality.

'This attention to detail ensures that the school is extremely well placed to continue to get even better in the future.'

He also praised the 'inclusive ethos' and atmosphere created by the staff as conducive to learning and social responsibility, and as playing a big part in the school's massive improvement.

Headteacher Sandra Barnett said: 'As a small school we are able to deliver personalised education which enables all pupils to reach their full potential and this report recognises the quality of education provided by our team.

'It is an unbelievable result, really.

'It just shows the amount of hard work that has been put in by our team here.

'Everyone, including staff, parents, pupils and the community, have worked extremely hard to get where we are now.

'This is a lovely external recognition of that commitment to improvement and high standards.'

The school offers free drop-in sessions for under fives on Monday afternoons and Friday mornings.

For more information about the school call 01409 231339.