A HEAD teacher has seen a village primary school attract the top ranking in five key areas – less than a year into the job.

North Curry Primary School has been rated ‘outstanding’ by OFSTED for leadership and management; quality of teaching; behaviour and safety of pupils; pupils’ achievements; and early years provision.

The grade has climbed from ‘good’ five years ago, much to the delight of its 136 children, who are praised in the report for the “real thirst for knowledge”.

The inspectors said: “Pupils make outstanding progress in reading, writing and mathematics.

“Most reach standards which are above the national average in these subjects by the end of Year 6.

“Their spiritual, moral, social and cultural understanding is well-developed.

“Teaching is typically outstanding. Teachers know their pupils extremely well. They plan lessons which stretch everyone and they regularly check on how much each pupil has understood.

“The head teacher, with highly effective support from senior leaders and from governors, has ensured that high standards have been maintained through many recent changes.

“Pupils behave exceptionally well.”

Head Mark Braund, who arrived in January, said: “Creating an outstanding school is a major journey that involves all of our stakeholders from the staff and pupils to the management team, governors and the local community.

“Our whole ethos is about putting the children first so that they can achieve the best that they can.

“I am extremely proud of this massive achievement and want to thank everyone for their hard work and dedication over the past few years. I look forward to leading the school into the future.”

Chairman of governors Dustine Harlow said: “To have achieved outstanding in every category with this new, more rigorous, inspection regime is testimony to the commitment and partnership of the North Curry School community - parents, careers, pupils, governors and staff.

“We are immensely proud of the report and see it as a challenge to maintain these standards and improve to 'beyond outstanding' for every child."

Year 2 pupil Darcy Bulbeck, six, said: "School is brilliant. My teacher is so much fun."

Harrison Armstrong, eight, a Year 4 pupil, said: "Lessons are really cool and everyone is so friendly and nice.”