BERE Alston school is 'delighted' at being awarded the coveted Beacon School status and being recognised as one of the best schools in the country.
The school will receive around £35,000 extra funding per year for three years in order to share its good practice with other schools in Devon.
Kim Wild, Bere Alston headteacher, said: 'We are really delighted — it has put Bere Alston and Bere Ferrers on the map. There are now only four primary schools with this status under Devon County Council's control.
'It is a tribute to the hard work and positive attitude of the staff and support from parents, governors and volunteer helpers. It is also down to the hard work, good attitude and behaviour of the children.'
The school already has strong working links with other schools in the Tavistock area and shares good practice with them.
'We are looking forward to continuing and developing that collaborative work, as the Beacon Status will help to fund new initiatives,' Miss Wild said.
'We are also looking forward to working with other Devon schools in order to pick up good practice from them as well,' she added.
The money will be used to organise visits and in-service training and to release members of staff to work on the initiative.
School governor the Rev Nick Law said the governors were extremely pleased — the status acknowledged the hard work and past achievements of the staff, children and governors.
'It is also a challenge and will help the school in its own development as it looks to help other schools in theirs,' Rev Law said.
'The school is being given a chance to reflect on how it can continue to improve.'
Nomination for Beacon School status comes from OFSTED report results. Each nominated school then has to submit a bid to specialise in one particular area.
Bere Alston's choice was numeracy and literacy.
The school has twice had outstanding inspection reports from OFSTED.
The Department for Education and Skills said the school had very high standards in literacy, numeracy, leadership and management and its use of resources.
Its last OFSTED report in January 2000 praised the 'outstanding teaching' of literacy and numeracy.