A PRIMARY school has retained its 'good' Ofsted rating and has been praised for being a 'vibrant, supportive and highly ambitious school' following an inspection.

An inspector visited St Mark’s Church of England Primary School, in Hatch Warren on Danebury Road in November last year with a report published on Thursday, January 25 revealing its 'good' rating.

The report states that the school's values of love, forgiveness, hope and faith are strongly reflected throughout the school.

It states: "Pupils behave brilliantly, and they are highly respectful of each other. They learn about the world around them through precise and well-planned activities.

Basingstoke Gazette: Students at the school

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"Pupils discover how to look after small animals on the school farm. They also develop their outdoor practical skills, including building shelters and learning about habitats in the on-site forest area."

Following the visit, the inspector was impressed with the 'overwhelming support' that parents have for the school.

The school was praised for its ambitious curriculum in maths and English but the inspector found that assessment is less precise in other subjects.

The report continues: "Starting in the Reception Year, pupils are enthusiastic about their learning and strive to do their best.

"They flourish because of the high level of care, clear boundaries and the nurturing environment they experience. Teachers select activities carefully that help pupils to remember essential knowledge."

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The staff at the school were commended for creating a "caring and strong team" and ensuring "pupils are the very centre of everything staff do".

The report adds: "The school’s ‘agents of change’ programme helps pupils to understand that their simple actions can make the world a better place.

"Activities include raising money for charities, writing to companies to encourage them to become more environmentally friendly, litter picking in the local area or simply giving someone a smile."

St Mark's was last inspected in 2018 where it also received a 'good' rating.

The report praised the quality of education in the school.

Charles Applegate, headteacher, said: "I'm so proud of our children and school community. The report reflects what we do day-in, day-out, because we want every child and every family to flourish. 

"The inspectors also saw the buzz and excitement of learning at St Mark's - something we are privileged to enjoy each day. A special thank you to every member of our staff team; the hard work, talent and care you show every day makes all the difference."