THE headteacher of a school in North Somerset said she is “so proud” after receiving a positive Ofsted rating, including a grade of Outstanding in the category of “behaviour and attitudes”. 

St Mary's CE Primary School in Portbury was rated as Good in all other areas, which include the quality of education, personal development, leadership and management and early years provision. 

The inspection was conducted under the new Ofsted framework, beginning in September this year, in which single word judgements for overall effectiveness are no longer given. 

The report said pupils at St Mary’s “love coming to school” and appreciate how “teachers make learning fun”.  

It said pupils display “exceptional manners” around the school and demonstrate “highly positive” attitudes to their learning. 

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Responding to the report, headteacher Amy Townsend said: "I am so proud of our school and the high aspirations that we have as a team for the children.   

“It is wonderful to see that the inspectors recognised what a happy place St Mary's is and have celebrated the strong relationships that we have built as a school community and beyond."   

The report said that pupils are “taught how to be a good friend by listening to and trusting others.”  

“This is supported by their knowledge of religions and cultures, where they understand tolerance and democracy,” it added. 

The school has “effective safeguarding arrangements”, meaning pupils know how to stay safe online and support their mental health and wellbeing, according to the report.  

The inspectors noted the school’s “ambitious curriculum”, which prioritises reading and ensures pupils read a wide variety of texts.  

“This inspires pupils to develop a love of reading,” the report said. 

Dr Gary Lewis, chief executive of Lighthouse Schools Partnership (LSP), which runs the school, said: “This report reflects the hard work and dedication of all the staff at the school to ensure a safe, friendly and inspiring learning environment for the children.   

“The inspection highlights the school’s strengths and I am pleased that the partnership between the school and trust is recognised to be working well to ensure support and development for both our pupils and our staff.”