BOASTING just 82 pupils St. Paul's CE Primary School in Ramsbottom is top class say OFSTED inspectors who recognised that big isn't always best.

The size of the school is one of its virtues say the inspectors who spent four days looking in detail at over 60 lessons.

They also spent time observing pupils outside the classroom, chatting to them and listening to what parents have to say.

Registered inspector Monica Timmis said the school was an excellent example of the sense of security and community children get at a small school.

She added that it provides an effective education for pupils in its care and the standards of achievement at key stages one and two at least match the national expectation in most subjects. It also occasionally exceeded them, in English and Mathematics at key two stage, and in science and physical education at both key stages.

"The quality of education is generally sound with many good features.

"The teaching is usually competent and at times good or very good.

"Pupils are well motivated, keen to learn and have a good attention span," said inspector Timmis.

She added that leadership of the school is positive and participative in style while staff are hard working and committed. She also felt there was a good ethos contributing to the pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development and pupils clearly understood right from wrong.

Relationships, too, are good, she reported, with pupils being courteous and friendly as well as caring for each other particularly older pupils for younger.

Attendance is very good and there is an excellent programme of extra curriculum sporting activities providing valuable social experience.

Head Teacher Mrs. Margaret Chamberlain says it was very nice to get a pat on the back.

"We found the inspection a worthwhile experience and it has also given us some ideas as to how we can move forward and make St. Paul's even better," she said.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.