AN IMPROVING junior school in a north Hampshire village has been praised after an inspection by education watchdogs.

Mayhill Junior School, in King Street, Odiham, received a “good” rating – the second highest score – after a recent visit by Ofsted inspectors.

The rating marks an improvement since the last Government inspection in 2005, when the school received a “satisfactory” rating.

Head teacher John Gawthorpe said: “This very good report is the reward for three years hard work by the whole Mayhill community. We continue to aim for excellence. I am fortunate to work with such a talented and dedicated team.”

The school, which has 216 pupils, scored “good” ratings in 17 of the 22 categories assessed in the inspection.

It also received five “outstanding” ratings – the highest score possible – and one “satisfactory” rating for its contribution to community cohesion.

Reporting inspector Susan Gadd said: “Mayhill Junior is a good school. Several areas of work are outstanding, such as ensuring that pupils know how to keep safe and healthy, with high expectations of behaviour.

“Pupils thoroughly enjoy their time at the school; this is reflected in the happy atmosphere and above-average attendance.”

She added that standards in English, mathematics and science are above average, including pupils from service families at RAF Odiham, who have to join and leave the school at various points.

Andy Le Roux, chairman of governors at the school, said: “We are very proud that we are graded as “outstanding” for our pupils’ enjoyment of learning, and for their behaviour, so it is not surprising to us that they are achieving well too.

“Our association with RAF Odiham ensures that we continue to be a high flying school.”