Staff and pupils at St Francis School in Pewsey are celebrating after being praised in an Independent Schools Inspectorate report.

The school, which offers independent education for boys and girls aged two to 13, is judged as ‘excellent’ in eight out of nine areas assessed, and ‘good’ with an ‘outstanding’ feature in the remaining category.

The ISI undertook an inspection of the school on behalf of Ofsted in October.

A team of four inspectors observed lessons and a sample of the extra-curricular activities, conducted formal interviews with pupils, visited the facilities for sick and injured pupils and attended registration and assemblies.

They spoke with senior members of staff and the chairman of governors and analysed responses to parent and pupil pre-inspection questionnaires.

In a report, inspector Jane Chesterfield said: “The school has improved in many aspects of its work since the previous inspection, and much has been achieved in a short period of time.

“The high quality of teaching enables pupils to progress well and achieve excellent standards.

“Staff provide highly effective support and guidance for pupils in accordance with the school’s aims, contributing to excellent personal development.”

The school was praised for having good communication with parents.

Headmaster David Sibson, who joined St Francis in September 2012, said: “The extremely positive comments made by the inspection team affirm the high standards that we strive to achieve.”

For the full ISI report on St Francis School, visit www.st-francis.wilts.sch.uk