CHULMLEIGH Primary School is celebrating after Ofsted inspectors declared the school to be "Outstanding", following their visit on March 20 and 21.

Mike Johnson, executive head teacher of the Academy Trust, said: "We know how important academic achievement is; we know that children who do well at primary school go on to do really well at secondary school, so their life chances are maximised.

"But we also know that English and maths is not everything, so we are delighted that Ofsted recognised the work we do to help children develop independent learning skills. This sets pupils up for life."

The quality of teaching was graded "at least good and typically outstanding. This has led to pupils' continuing outstanding achievement," said David Nebesnuick, the lead inspector.

He went on to commend teachers for their creative teaching, teaching which "encourages pupils to think for themselves" and which gives them opportunities to apply their skills in meaningful and practical ways: "the team concentrates on providing exciting and stimulating ways for pupils to learn. There is a constant drive for further improvement."

High levels of pupil engagement were noted: "pupils are eager, enjoy coming to school very much and thrive on the outstanding teaching."

This high level of engagement, together with an ethos of high expectation, is what characterises the work of the school. "This, together with our amazing staff team, is what makes us a successful school," said Linda Lindley, deputy executive head teacher, who added: "as well as an atmosphere where all children are treated as individuals, with talents nurtured and specific needs addressed."

She added: "We are delighted that the inspectors particularly noted how welcoming the school is and recognised the fact that the needs of pupils always come first."

Of particular interest to the inspection team was the Y6 Academy, an innovative approach to providing top quality educational experiences for the Y6 pupils in the three largest primary schools in the Academy.

This is based in two purpose-built classrooms, constructed last year. This has enabled pupils to be taught in two parallel classes with excellent pupil/staff ratios and to benefit from the close proximity to the neighbouring Community College: specialist teaching of French and Science is part of the curriculum, as is the opportunity to take part in shared endeavours, such as the forthcoming Y6/Y10 Shakespeare dance and drama project.

The facilities of the college are also available to the pupils in the Y6 Academy, including the use of the Design Technology workshops and the sports facilities. As the lead inspector pointed out: "this helps the move to secondary school to be particularly smooth and effective."

The children spoke most enthusiastically to the inspectors about their school, showing great pride in their work. Behaviour was highly commended, both in classrooms and around school: "pupils develop a sense of belonging and they are very proud of their school".

Steve Baber, chair of the board of directors, said: "This is an exciting time for the Trust. The staff across the Trust's family of schools have worked really hard together to develop best practice across the schools and now we can see the hard work paying off.

"It is great to know that Ofted recognise the outstanding practice at Chulmleigh Primary School and its key role in leading and supporting school improvement across the primary phase. A great team approach."

Chulmleigh Primary School is part of Chulmleigh Academy Trust, a group of four primary schools and Chulmleigh Community College.