St Mary’s Church of England Primary School and Nursery in Writhlington has been praised by Ofsted for its “exceptional” programme of personal development.

Inspectors also noted how staff at the school, near Radstock, ensure “that pupils get off to a strong start with their education.”

A recent inspection has noted the school to be ‘outstanding’ in its personal development and ‘Good’ across other areas, including quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, leadership and management, and early years provision.

The school was visited by inspectors in December who were impressed with the school’s ambitious curriculum and support for individual growth for each child from the moment they start school and nursery.

The report said: “Pupils understand the school’s vision to ‘be the best you can be’. It is a golden thread that runs throughout the school.

“An ambitious and well-structured curriculum is in place. This sets out what pupils should learn from nursery to year-six.”

Cathie Lampert, headteacher at St Mary’s, said: “The whole school community is thrilled by this Ofsted report.

“Inspectors have recognised what we know to be true about St Mary’s; it is a school where pupils meet the high expectations we have of them. In the words of the report, ‘the school is determined to identify each pupil’s individual gift and talent’. We work hard to encourage every child to flourish and ‘be the best you can be’.”

The school’s emphasis on communication and language was also highlighted, identifying that reading is at the heart of the school. Inspectors noted that “staff are experts in the delivery of the reading programme” and how “older pupils talk enthusiastically about their favourite authors.”

The report also recognised the nurturing environment of St Mary’s: “Staff know the pupils well. As soon as children join the nursery, they form positive relationships with staff. Pupils feel happy, safe and cared for.

“Pupils enjoy school snd are exceptionally proud of the leadership roles they hold.”

In particular, the school’s enrichment activities were recognised, from visiting the Houses of Parliament, to becoming published authors and singing in front of Her Majesty Queen Camilla at Bath Abbey

The Ofsted report also discussed the ambition that governors and trustees have for the school.

Chair of governors Sarah Gilliam said: “We’re delighted to see that inspectors recognised that we share the ambition for all pupils to benefit from a high-quality education and that the school governance supports this.”

St Mary’s Church of England Primary School and Nursery is one of 18 schools which are supported by The Partnership Trust, a multi-academy trust of primary, first, and special schools across Bath and Somerset. The Trust was commended in the Ofsted report for its support for staff.

Emily Massey, CEO of the Trust, said: “Congratulations to all at St Mary’s for this wonderful report. The team of dedicated staff and volunteers work tirelessly behind the scenes at the school and it’s wonderful to see this acknowledged. It’s also great to see the inspectors highlight the professional development opportunities and support that the trust provides to staff.”