HIGH quality teaching, superbly behaved pupils and standards well above the national average.

It is no wonder teachers and pupils at St Peter’s CE Primary School feel they have something to shout about after reading the findings of Ofsted inspectors.

The school, on Birley Street, Newton-le-Willows, was assessed over two days last month.

School watchdogs were so impressed that they ranked its overall effectiveness as outstanding – an improvement from its previous good rating.

Categories of teaching, pupil achievement, behaviour and safety of pupils and the school’s leadership and management were adjudged to be outstanding.

A summary of the key findings states that pupils “make excellent progress from starting points that are generally below average”.

By Year 6 reading and maths standards are well beyond the national average.

A good proportion of teaching is outstanding and lessons challenge pupils to do well. There is also a pat on the back for pupils’ behaviour and the relationship between children and staff is identified as a key strength.

Barbara Flitcroft, headteacher, who was praised along with school leaders and governors for “relentlessly pursuing excellence”.