A PRIMARY school received the highest possible rating during a recent Ofsted inspection.

Parish Primary School, on Charles Street, achieved ‘outstanding’ ratings in every category; effectiveness of leadership and management, quality of teaching, learning and assessment, personal development, behaviour and welfare, outcomes for pupils and for early years provision. And head teacher Lynne Ryder, was identified as being an "exceptional" leader.

Lead inspector, Sue Eastwood applauded the town centre school for having every child’s success at the heart of everything it does, commenting on excellent leadership, high standards of teaching, impeccable pupil conduct and active governor involvement.

The report drew attention to spiritual, moral and cultural development as a particular strength of the school's and that it is and woven into the curriculum, resulting in pupils being highly tolerant and respectful of others.

Inspectors also remarked that pupils, staff and parents are rightly proud of being part of the school.

The primary school of 204 pupils was rated ‘good’ in its previous inspection report in January 2011.

Cllr Jeanette Banks, cabinet member for education and lifelong learning, said: “This recent report shows the great strides Parish CofE has made in the last few years.

"It highlights the commitment of pupils, the support of parents and governors, and the dedication of staff, who demonstrably care a great deal for pupils’ learning and personal development.”

Head teacher Lynne Ryder said: “I am so proud of everyone at school, this has been a real team effort; however, the real stars of this report are the children – it is difficult to put into words how proud I am at this moment in time.”

The school's chair of governors, Reverend Harry Wood, added: “Parish CofE holds as paramount its responsibility to provide high quality education which is inclusive and equips children for lifelong learning.

“This ethos underpins the approach to teaching and learning at the school and as Head teacher, Mrs Ryder leads a staff team whose dedication is without question and has rightly been recognised in the recent Ofsted inspection as outstanding.”