A PRIMARY school in Great Sankey where pupils ‘excel in their learning’ has been given the highest grading by education watchdogs.

Barrow Hall Community Primary School will have plenty to celebrate after being labelled an outstanding school in the eyes of Ofsted inspectors.

The Sophia Drive school received a visit from Ofsted back on July 18 and 19.

Among the highly praising report were features highlighted such as the ‘established respect and ambition’ that leaders have developed with staff and pupils.

The exceptional report began: “Everyone is welcome and included fully. Leaders have an excellent understanding of what constitutes an outstanding education offer so that pupils excel academically, socially and emotionally.

“Pupils, including those with SEND, experience a wonderful education. They learn the curriculum knowledge that they need to know, and they achieve impressively well.”

It goes on to praise the ‘remarkable foundation’ the school provides to all its pupils for their future and emphasised how leaders ‘seek only the best for pupils’.

The list of outstanding factors in the report included a ‘well thought out’ curriculum.

“Their curriculum is also steeped in the history of the former Burtonwood United States Air Force base, on which the school buildings are now located.”

Pupils were praised for their use of ‘excellent vocabulary’ and ‘love of reading’.

“Pupils enthuse about the work of a range of playwrights, authors and poets. They read a wide range of literature with understanding.”

Behaviour of the students was summarised as ‘polite, extremely considerate and sensible’.

“Their excellent behaviour contributes to the calm feeling evident around the school. Staff are able to focus on teaching the curriculum in lessons,” an inspector said.

“Pupils develop feelings of self-worth, empathy and a sense of belonging.”

The chair of governors Chris Forrest commented on the Ofsted grading, saying:

"Barrow Hall is very proud of the provision provided at our school and that this has been recognised by Ofsted.

"This is only possible due to the hard work of the staff and pupils and the support from our parents and carers."

To read the full Ofsted report, please visit this link reports.ofsted.gov.uk/