By Pam McClounie

Last updated 10:55, Saturday, 10 May 2008

Stanwix School in Carlisle has received an excellent Ofsted report and is an “outstanding” example to other schools.

A happy place: Stanwix School headteacher Bill Johnston celebrates with some of the children after receiving an outstanding Ofsted report

The school was inspected on April 22. The report said: “It clearly demonstrates how pupils can achieve exceptionally well and attain the highest standards in academic and personal development while thoroughly enjoying their education.

“Pupils are articulate, friendly, charming and inquisitive.

“Their excellent behaviour and the outstanding level of care provided by the school means that they need have no worries about staying safe and can concentrate on working and playing hard to achieve their full potential before moving on, with exceptionally bright prospects, to other schools.”

The school was praised for encouraging children if they excel and for helping children if they struggle.

The parents of pupils at the school were also praised for their “overwhelming support”.

“Since the last inspection, standards have significantly exceeded the national average. By the end of Year 2 the number of pupils exceeding national expectations is exceptionally high, with almost three quarters exceeding the expectation for their age. A three-year average of Year 6 test results in English, maths and science puts the school comfortably in the top 10 per cent of all schools nationally,” said the report.

The quality of leadership from headteacher Bill Johnston was also praised. Inspectors said: “Central to the success of the school is an excellent headteacher, who provides outstanding leadership, and a dedicated highly effective governing body.”

The school received an outstanding grade in all areas including overall effectiveness, achievement and standards, personal development and leadership and management.

There was only one area suggested for improvement and that is to push ahead with plans to strengthen the Foundation Stage curriculum.

Lead inspector Alistair Younger, in a letter to pupils at the school, said: “I have been inspecting schools for many years but have rarely had the privilege to visit one as outstanding as yours. My job is to find out what schools are doing well and to make suggestions as to how they could do any better. In the case of Stanwix there is not a lot that could be done to make it better.

“The teaching is already excellent and I know that you love coming to school. The people who run your school are doing a wonderful job.

"Apart from ensuring you make excellent progress, they have created a popular and happy school. Many of you and your parents told me what a great place it is. I agree. So do the staff, who seem to enjoy their work as much as you enjoy your learning.”