SCHOOL inspectors have given a primary school 10 out of 10 after judging it outstanding in all areas.

Yalding Primary School in Vicarage Road, scored top marks in 35 out of 35 categories by Ofsted inspectors who visited in November.

Outstanding is the top of four levels which can be awarded in areas including teaching, leadership, pupil behaviour and curriculum.

Lead inspector Jacquie Buttriss, who visited the small Church of England school with two other inspectors, said: “This is an outstanding school where pupils of all ages and abilities make excellent progress.

“Children join the school at the beginning of Reception Year with attainment below national expectations. By the time pupils are ready to go on to their secondary schools their standards are exceptionally high.”

Also getting top marks were the standard of teaching; and leadership and management, with inspectors commenting that pupils were proud of their school.

The report went on to say: “All pupils are outstandingly well prepared for their future lives,” adding: “a calm and purposeful atmosphere pervades the whole school encouraging lively minds to embark on exciting learning journeys with enormous enthusiasm and a remarkable sense of inquiry.”

Head teacher Glynis Coates said: “I think it is really because we have got a fantastic staff team who work really well together and work very hard.

“We have got very supportive parents and really smashing children and the governing body does a really fantastic job and at the same time challenges us to ensure that we are fulfilling our obligations.”

The only thing inspectors found to recommend for improvement was to ensure the Early years Foundation Stage staff provided greater challenge and purpose in imaginative writing activities for children in reception.