A Haslingden headteacher has said she is “delighted her staff's relentless pursuit of excellence” has paid off after the school was rated outstanding by Ofsted.

Inspectors visited St Mary’s RC Primary School on July 10 and 11 with the school retaining its outstanding grade, which it also achieved in 2013.

In the report, St Mary’s was rated outstanding in all areas and inspectors praised the “culture of common endeavour” and the “uncommonly strong levels of pupils support for one another".

Donna McNicoll, headteacher of the Lime Road school, said: "We are delighted to have received the outstanding grading for the third consecutive time.

"It is a great accolade for the whole staff team and for the whole school community. 

“I have the most dedicated, hard-working group of people working at St Mary’s who work tirelessly to ensure that exceptional provision is in place so that the highest standards and outcomes are consistently maintained.

“The whole staff team are relentless in their pursuit of excellence and are continually looking for ways to improve.”

The Ofsted report said: “Pupils thrive in the inspiring environment of this warm and welcoming school.

"They benefit from a culture of common endeavour, where everyone prizes learning. Pupils’ support for one another is uncommonly strong.

“Pupils treat one another with respect and compassion. Older pupils are exceptional role models, displaying respect, kindness and positivity.

"They form strong relationships with their younger peers, helping them to live up to these high standards of behaviour.”

It also praised the curriculum which was “both broad and ambitious” and considered how pupils' knowledge had developed over time, including pupils in mixed-age classes.

The levels of staff training were also commended due to the supportive relationships between all employees and an extensive training programme, which equipped them with “an impressive understanding of how pupils learn”.

The report continued: “In the early years, staff are highly successful in developing children’s communication and language skills.

"They support children in acquiring a wide range of vocabulary, including sophisticated subject-specific terms.

“Staff expertly implement the well-embedded phonics programme. Pupils quickly learn to recognise the sounds that letters make.

“They regularly practise reading using books that match the sounds that they know. Staff quickly spot any pupils who struggle with reading. These pupils receive the help that they need to improve.

“From the early years on, pupils display exceptionally positive behaviour. They are committed to their studies and take pride in their learning.

“Children in the early years are highly focused. They demonstrate perseverance and determination in their learning and play.”

An impressive array of activities is also offered to children which will enhance their learning, including trips to a castle and a museum.

The governing body works exceptionally well with the school and helps to make sure that the school provides pupils with the highest quality of education.