PUPILS at a small West Devon primary school have achieved some of the best results in the country for maths and science, according to the latest report by school inspectors.
Eleven-year-olds at Exbourne Primary School recorded results in their maths SATS test that were in the top 5% in the country and science results which were well above average. The pupils? English results were also above average.
The school?s success at ensuring its pupils achieve above average standards is highlighted in the report from the school?s standards agency, Ofsted.
Inspectors spent two days at the 63-pupil school in February and their report has just been published.
It concludes: ?Exbourne Primary School provides a good standard of education for its pupils. Pupils? achievement is good and they reach above average standards by the time they leave school.?
The report says the school balances academic excellence with a caring ethos. ?There is a very strong family atmosphere which helps to promote pupils? personal development,? say the inspectors.
?Pupils have very positive attitudes to school, show great interest in their work and enjoy taking responsibility.?
The report praises teachers for their high expectations of pupils and says the quality of teaching and learning is good and meets pupils? needs well.
?Good leadership by the headteacher, Celia West, has created a strong team spirit with a clear focus on raising standards.?
The reports also says the school has made a good improvement since it was last inspected in 1998. Other highlights of the report are the good understanding of the school?s strengths and weakness by the governors and its links with the community and other local schools.
In common with almost every other Ofsted report, the inspectors highlight areas for further improvement. They say a more consistent approach to both the teaching of handwriting and teachers? marking should be developed, and more opportunities should be provided for reception children to select activities.
Celia West said all the areas for development had already been included in a school improvement plan.
She added: ?We are very pleased with the report which recognises everyone?s contribution, hard work and the progress we have made since our last inspection.
?We are grateful for all the invaluable support we receive from our governing body and parent community, as well as the endless enthusiasm from our pupils.?