A WEST DEVON primary school has won the highest possible praise from education inspectors for the second time in succession after being judged an outstanding school.

Bere Alston School was judged outstanding for the first time in 2006 and inspectors from the school standards agency Ofsted have now repeated their assessment.

They concluded: 'Bere Alston is an outstanding school.

'Teachers and all other staff hold very high expectations for the pupils and — because relationships are strong — pupils try very hard to live up to them.

'The outstanding care, guidance and support given to pupils means they become confident and self-assured.

'The pupils are delightful. They are energetic, hardworking, friendly and polite.'

The inspectors say pupils start school with standards below that expected for their age but, by the time they leave at 11, they are attaining high standards in English, maths and science.

'Children are given an outstanding start in their reception year. High quality teaching then builds upon this strong base and pupils' achievement over time is outstanding.'

Two inspectors from Ofsted visited Bere Alston at the end of last term and their report has just been published.

They say the behaviour of the 207 pupils is outstanding and they show great respect for each other which has a very positive impact on their learning.

Lead inspector Rowena Onions said: 'The high quality example set by staff and the very positive approach to helping pupils to mature enable their excellent social, moral, spiritual and cultural development.

'The outstanding curriculum provides them with opportunities to be creative and to explore values and beliefs through these means.'

Ms Onions said parents and pupils alike are overwhelmingly positive about their school.

One parent spoke for many when she told the inspectors: 'I have been delighted with my child's progress and development. She has developed a very inquiring mind and a passion for life.'

Ms Onions said this was all a result of the outstanding leadership and management of the school.

'The head is very proactive in ensuring pupils reach the highest possible standards, both academic and personal,' says Ms Onions.

'She is single-minded in focusing the school's efforts on maximising the potential and well-being of all the pupils and staff.

'Senior leaders make a significant contribution to the maintenance of high quality provision and results.'

Headteacher Kim Wild said: 'We are delighted with our Ofsted report and with achieving outstanding again.

'There is a dedicated and hardworking team of people at Bere Alston.

'This, together with a very supportive governing body and parents, enables us to provide the best possible education for the children of Bere Alston and the surrounding area.'