STAFF and students at Garswood Primary School are revelling in the success of an outstanding Ofsted rating.

The report highlights how the Hamilton Road school, previously rated as good, achieved outstanding in all four areas of their June inspection.

Key findings from the report found quality of teaching to be outstanding, noting that teachers have strong subject knowledge which is highly effective in engaging pupils’ interest.

Inspectors also found learning environments to be of a very high standard – and were full of praise for headteacher Pam Potter, who they described as "inspirational" – highlighting her "unwavering drive and ambition to secure the best possible outcomes for all pupils".

Despite Garswood achieving the highest grade at its disposal, Mrs Potter – who took over the reins six years ago - has insisted that the school will not rest on its laurels and is determined to further build on the success by taking into account inspectors’ tips on how to further improve the school.

These include improving the attendance of disadvantaged pupils.

Pam Potter said: “This outstanding judgement is certainly something for our children, staff, families and community to celebrate, as it is recognition of the continued and collective unwavering drive to ensure the very best for our children.

"However, this will not deter us from this commitment to continual improvement and we will start work right away as we look to build on this success.

“I’d like to thank the children and families, staff and Governors who spoke so highly of our school to the inspection team. I am delighted that Ofsted agree that Garswood is outstanding.”

St Helens Council’s cabinet member for children, families, young people and education, Cllr Jeanette Banks, added: “Garswood’s latest Ofsted report makes for excellent reading and is a testimony to the hard work of the headteacher, senior leaders and school Governors for their continued focus on improvement.

“Well done to everyone involved in achieving this excellent result which will help so many of our young people get off to the right start during their journey through education.”