A BURY primary school has earned top marks from education inspectors.

An Office for Standards in Education (OFSTED) team carried out a detailed study at Old Hall County Primary School, Springside View, and classed it as "very good" - an accolade not commonly given.

Reporting on attainment levels inspectors said: "The progress made by pupils in both key stages is good" and "the educational standards achieved by pupils are above the national expectation.

"At the end of Key Stage 2, test results in the core subjects of English, mathematics and science show that attainment is above the national average.

"Attainment is judged to be average in design and technology, information technology and religious education but above average in all other subjects of the National Curriculum."

The high quality of teaching was seen as a significant strength of the school and judged to be never less than satisfactory.

In fact in nearly a third of lessons inspected it was "very good" or "excellent". Teaching in 93 per cent of lessons was found to be good or better. Attendance is very good and consistently above the national average.

The school was judged to be an "efficient organisation" which provided "good value for money". The inspectors also commented on how "the very efficient administration contributes to its smooth operation from day to day".

Head teacher Mr Alan Cookson said: "We are all delighted to have received such a favourable report which reflects the dedication of everyone connected with our school - staff, pupils, parents and governors.

"We now look forward to building on the strengths identified in the report and to achieving even higher standards by making use of the valuable feedback provided in it."

Chair of Governors Mr Barry Rostron added: "An excellent report which reflects great credit on all the staff, pupils and parents and is a just recognition of the high quality of our school."

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