A WEST Devon primary school has doubled in size after improving from satisfactory to outstanding in just two years.

Education inspectors say pupils at Horrabridge Primary School enjoy outstanding achievement as a result of dynamic leadership.

In two years the number of pupils at the school has doubled to the current 137.

Ofsted inspectors said: 'The levels of satisfaction that they (parents) expressed concerning the school and its provision are quite remarkable.'

Lead inspector Paul Sadler said: 'This is an outstanding school.

'Under the excellent leadership of the headteacher, much has improved since the previous inspection in 2009.

'The Early Years Foundation Stage is now of excellent quality and children make outstanding progress in its exciting environment.

'Pupils' attainment in English and maths at the end of Year 6 is above average as current pupils are making outstanding progress.

'This is due to excellent teaching and pupils' outstanding behaviour — especially in lessons — which enables teachers to teach effectively and all pupils to learn quickly.

'In a little over two years the school's effectiveness has improved from satisfactory to outstanding, with significant improvements in important aspects of pupils' achievement and in the provision.'

Mr Sadler said this demonstrated an excellent capacity for the school to get even better in the future.

He said pupils were excited by their learning — and that the impact of teaching in their progress was 'outstanding'.

'No teaching was less than good. Teachers' high expectations are evident in all lessons,' he said.

Mr Sadler said pupils had an outstanding range of extra-curricular activities available to them, including French and Spanish lessons, instrumental tuition, a very wide range of sports and residential trips.

He said the care, guidance and support provided for the children was good and their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development excellent.

'Dynamic leadership has successfully instilled a will to succeed across the whole school community, including staff, pupils and parents,' said Mr Sadler.

'The governing body plays a highly effective part in monitoring progress, challenging the staff and supporting them to achieve even more.'

Mr Sadler said a well above average 80% of parents returned his questionnaire.

One parent's quote was echoed by many: 'Our child has loved the school since Reception and we have seen the school move forward and develop, especially in the last two to three years. The teacher always looks for ways to stretch and challenge our child to achieve their full potential.'

Headteacher John Clarke, who joined the school in 2009, said: 'We are overjoyed by the wealth of positive feedback that we received during the inspection.

'The report is testament to the incredible amount of hard work, energy and commitment shown by the entire school staff and governors and to the very positive relationships and attitudes to learning that the pupils consistently demonstrate.'