Teachers and parent are ‘delighted’ a school has been rated as ‘good’ following an inspection.

St Mary’s Primary School, Bridport, was visited by Ofsted inspectors earlier this month.

They found the school had ‘a strong and embedded ethos of ensuring that everyone can shine.’

Leadership at the school was praised and the headteacher, Kate Batorska, was found to have strong support from leaders in the Minerva Learning Trust in her new role as head, which she started in September, and that she had a “clear and focused plan that drives improvement and ensures that the school continues to go from strength to strength”.

Mrs Batorska said: “I was delighted with the report. I feel it has captured what the school is about and what we aim to achieve. We are a school that tries to make sure all children do as well as they possibly can.

“We believe in both nurturing and challenging our

children and we are really pleased that the inspector recognised this.”

The inspector found that teaching assistants provided ‘well-planned and carefully-evaluated extra support for pupils which helps pupils overcome their barriers to leaning’ and there has been a ‘focus on providing a rich curriculum and using this to help pupils to improve their writing.’

Morale at the school was found to be high, with all staff who responded to a survey agreeing the school is well-led and that they feel motivated and respected.

Safeguarding was described as effective and well organised with governors playing their part in this. The improvement in attendance was also praised as it is now above the national average.

Martin Warne, chair of governors, said: “This report reflects the good work St Mary’s School has been doing over several years to support all our pupils in their learning.

“It quite rightly recognises that the school is well led and that our values are to ensure all pupils in our community do well. It draws on our excellent results over the last few

years to conclude that we have maintained the good quality of education we pride ourselves on.”

“Our staff work exceptionally hard and they, the pupils and the parents who support us, deserve this recognition.

“I would like to thank all of them for all they do to make St Mary’s the happy and successful school it is.”