PARENTS, teachers and pupils in Winchester are celebrating after an education watchdog rated their school as ‘good’.

Ofsted inspectors were impressed with the quality of teaching across Stanmore Primary School and in particular Reception classes where they said the interaction between adults and children is excellent.

The report said: “The school has undergone a period of rapid improvement over the past 18 months, especially to the quality of teaching and the rate at which pupils make progress.”

It also said all pupils have a good attitude to learning and listen with respect during lessons, and the school’s work in keeping pupils safe and secure is outstanding.

Headteacher Justine Brooks, paid tribute to her staff and pupils: “I am so pleased that Ofsted have recognised the strengths of our school - our exciting and stimulating curriculum, the good progress made by pupils and our polite, courteous and sociable children. I am proud of my hard working staff and pupils and it’s fantastic that Ofsted have given them the recognition they deserve.”

Jo Good, a parent of children in Years 1, 3 and 6, said: “I am delighted that all the hard work from the staff at Stanmore has been reflected in this fantastic Ofsted report. My three boys have always been so happy at school.”

The school’s chair of governors, Sarah Taylor, said she was “delighted” with the rating considering the new tougher Ofsted criteria.

She said: “It’s wonderful that the report has recognised some of the many qualities of our school, in particular the excellent leadership of our headteacher and senior leadership team, not to mention the impact made by all our teachers and support staff to ensure all our pupils achieve their full potential.

“The Early Years department has now been highlighted by both Ofsted and Hampshire County Council as having many outstanding elements which establish a superb foundation for our pupils.”

“We are very proud that our pupils were recognised by the inspectors for their positive attitude to learning, good behaviour, politeness and courtesy - they are exceptional ambassadors for our school.”

The inspection was held at the end of March, and the report is available to view online at ofsted.gov.uk.