SAINT Osmund's Roman Catholic Primary School, in Salisbury, has been hailed as a very well-led school, providing good value for money.

The judgement has been delivered in a report by Ofsted inspectors, following a visit to the school in December.

The report says St Osmund's is a good school and goes on: "Pupils enjoy learning and achieve well because teaching is generally good.

"Overall standards in English and mathematics are above average by the end of Year 6.

"The school is very well led and managed, providing good value for money."

The school's main strengths and weaknesses are listed as:

National test results for English and mathematics have risen faster than in most schools and, overall, are above average for seven and 11-year-olds.

Pupils generally achieve well but the juniors are not so good at scientific investigations and following up their own ideas through independent study.

Pupils' personal and social skills are well developed but the unsatisfactory behaviour of a few juniors is not always well handled at lunchtimes.

Pupils from different backgrounds, including those with English as an additional language, and pupils with special educational needs are very well supported and make good progress.

Pupils' awareness of the diversity and richness of cultures other than their own is limited.

Teachers know their pupils very well, set high expectations and give very helpful guidance.

Parents think highly of the school but are not always given enough information in reports about how their children can improve.

While governors and staff work very well together to raise standards, their plans do not show clearly what has to be done or how to check if actions are successful.

Headteacher Mark Fowler said: "Since the school was inspected in 1998, improvements have been made and all the key issues identified have been tackled successfully.

"In that time, the buildings have been completely renovated.

"More recently, in 2002, the National School Achievement Award was gained.

"This year, we have some of the best results at Key Stage 2 in the Salisbury area.

"While it is important that we address the issues raised in the report, the overall findings are extremely good and staff and parents alike should be very pleased with the outcome."

Chairman of governors Richard Francis said: "The governing body is very pleased with the outcome of the report and, while there are a number of action points requiring further development, we believe it reflects the hard work and dedication of those connected with the school, particularly the staff."