TEACHERS and pupils at a primary school in Langho are celebrating after being rated outstanding by schools inspectors.

St Leonard’s C of E Primary School, Whalley Road, was judged to be outstanding in all aspects after an inspection in February.

The school was said to have improved after previously being rated good when it was last inspected in June 2007.

Praise was given for leadership and management as well as pupils exemplary behaviour and the high quality teaching .

The report said:”Pupils enjoy school and this is clearly demonstrated by their high attendance and exemplary behaviour.

“Outstanding teaching over time, based firmly on the high expectation that all pupils will be supported and challenged to do their very best, means that all groups, including disabled pupils and those with special educational needs, make excellent progress across the school.”

Inspectors visited 14 lessons taught by nine teachers, observed various group activities and listened to pupils reading.

They also attended two school assemblies, observed break times and held meetings with representatives of the governing body, staff, pupils, and parents and carers.

The headteacher Anne Pickup said: “I am delighted with the report which recognises the many outstanding features of St Leonard’s School.

“I would like to pay tribute to the excellent staff team and also the pupils who are a credit to the school and to thank the parents and governors for their continuing support.”

At the same time as the Ofsted inspection, the school was also inspected by the National Society which said:”The distinctiveness and effectiveness of St Leonard’s Langho as a Church of England school are outstanding.

“The strong Christian leadership of the headteacher, together with the effective support of the governing body and dedicated staff, provides an explicitly Christian environment in which pupils’ personal and spiritual development is nurtured and grown effectively.”