Teachers and children from a St Albans primary school are celebrating a glowing Ofsted report.

Oakwood Primary School, in Oakwood Drive, was rated "outstanding" after inspectors found it had improved from "good" since their last report five years ago.

The school was awarded "outstanding" marks in the achievement of pupils and the quality of teaching categories and "outstanding" marks in the behaviour and safety of pupils and leadership and management categories during its visit last month.

Zoe Buckley, headteacher, commended the hard work of her staff and pupils.

She said: "It’s wonderful news and just reward for the hard work and dedication of all members of the Oakwood community, including pupils, staff, Governors and parents.

"Children and parents were very excited when we informed them of the outcome today and we want to plan a fitting celebration." 

The inspectors observed 20 lessons or parts of lessons, several of which were observed jointly with the headteacher or deputy headteacher.

St Albans & Harpenden Review:

Pupils were praised for reaching standards "that are consistently above average". The report continued: "They are exceptionally well prepared for their future lives."

There are 314 pupils aged between 4 and eleven years at the school and the Ofsted report highlighted "outstanding" teaching and exemplary behaviour of pupils, who have "exceptional attitudes to learning."

Furthermore teachers were praised for showing " high expectations of what pupils can achieve, and have been very effective in motivating and enabling pupils to make excellent progress in all subjects."

Teaching assistants were mentioned for their "major contribution to pupils’ learning and progress." The inspectors commented on how leadership "has enabled pupils to achieve real success and staff to thrive" as well as praising school leaders and governors for well maintained standards.

Alison Curran, chairman of governors, said: "We have a highly talented team at Oakwood that are focused on the children's learning experience.

"The children, in turn, have an exceptional attitude to learning and it is fantastic that the inspection has seen and acknowledged this so positively."

Inspectors said to ensure the school maintained its outstanding rating "more pupils should exceed nationally expected progress in writing.

Ms Buckley said that staff and governors had strived to improve the school to "outstanding" following its "good" rating.

She added: "There is a real sense of teamwork and collaboration at Oakwood and this has been significant in the Outstanding outcome.  All staff are very much looking forward to building on this achievement."