The 263-pupil school in Tutts Barn Lane was visited by OFSTED inspectors in October and the report has just been published.

The team said pupils' personal development and behaviour were excellent as a result of the school's outstanding care and support and a strong Catholic ethos and the celebration of cultural diversity are supported by excellent links with the diverse community.

"Pupils thrive because the school really nurtures its pupils and gives them a very well-rounded education," said the inspectors.

"Pupils do well academically and are also given strong opportunities for developing their creative, practical and sporting skills.

"One parent echoed the views of many when saying, 'We are delighted with the school, our child enjoys school and has had many opportunities to develop not just academically but as a person, too'."

Inspectors found the majority of pupils, but not all, come from Catholic families and an above average proportion of pupils come from ethnic backgrounds such as the Philippines and Eastern Europe.

All pupils' achievement was described as good and by year six standards are well above average in English, above average in mathematics and science and very high in reading.

The school's headteacher Rachel Turner was praised for her strong leadership and inspectors also said there are rigorous programmes for helping pupils who are in danger of falling behind to make up lost ground.

The quality of teaching and the curriculum was also rated good with teachers managing pupils extremely well and make sure their lessons stimulate pupils' interest.

The inspectors added, "This is a good school with some outstanding features.

"Excellent links with the church and an exceptionally well-organised programme of personal, social and health education contributes to pupils' outstanding spiritual, moral, social and cultural development."

The OFSTED team has recommended the school raises standards in writing for lower attaining pupils by ensuring teachers always match work to their needs and pay close attention to teaching basics such as spelling and punctuation.