PRESHUTE Primary School has come top of the class and received full marks from Ofsted by proving it is ‘outstanding’ in all areas, to the delight of staff, parents and pupils.

In the glowing Ofsted report published this week, inspectors praise headteacher Celia Hicks’ drive and ambition for the school in Manton.

The education watchdog visited the school over two days at the beginning of December and the three inspectors judged it as ‘outstanding’ in all five categories. These include quality of teaching, effectiveness of leadership and personal development of pupils.

The report reads: “In this outstanding school, the motto ‘live life, love learning’, is breathed every day. It truly reflects the headteacher’s, school leaders’, and governing body’s determination to ‘whet the appetite for lifelong learning’.

“Pupils continue to be excellent ambassadors for themselves, their parents and their school. Pupils’ personal development and welfare are at the heart of the school’s work.

“Children in the early years get off to a cracking start. The excellent teaching and small, but splendid, learning environments enable them to be exceptionally well prepared for Year 1.”

School governors and deputy headteacher Kelandie Ash also come under the spotlight for their dedicated role in the school and for ensuring pupils are inquisitive, ambitious and have a hunger for learning.

Mrs Hicks, who joined Preshute in 2010 and was previously headteacher of Ogbourne St George Primary School for five years, said: “We are obviously delighted of course.

“It just reflects the fact it is a team effort as every aspect of the school is mentioned. It was the most comprehensive and thorough Ofsted I have experienced and it is my fifth one, so that is saying something.

“What is really great is that they mention the school is more than just an academic factory. It also says children are excited by their learning and they are enthused by what they are doing.

“We have 205 students and the most amazing staff whose teaching is superb.”

The full report can be read here: reports.ofsted.gov.uk/inspection-reports/find-inspection-report/provider/ELS/126349