OFSTED has rated every key area of life at Sidmouth Primary School as ‘good’ - and its leadership and management as “outstanding”.

Inspectors also hailed a “rapid improvement” in youngsters’ reading, writing and maths skills – with children “above average standards” when they leave.

Four auditors from the education standards body spent two days at the Church of England institution last month.

Their report was published this week.

Lead inspector John Cavill praised pupils’ behaviour and how students are “extremely proud of their school and are keen to represent it within the community”.

He said many changes had taken place since the last inspection – following the merger of three different schools – but big improvements had been made to raise its previous “satisfactory” rating.

“Clear vision and high expectations have helped bring together different sets of pupils, staff and governors who have a common purpose,” said Mr Cavill in his report.

“The inspirational leadership of the head and highly effective team of leaders have ensured the school has rapidly improved.

“This is most notably seen in the improving quality of teaching and pupils’ achievement.”

One pupil told the inspectors: “This is a cool school where we feel safe and happy,” details the report.

And most parents said their children were well taught and making good progress.

The inspector said that, to continue improving, Sidmouth should raise teaching to “outstanding” overall and ensure pupils take more responsibility for their own learning.

Headteacher Paul Walker told the Herald: “I am extremely proud of the efforts from our whole school community.

“We are delighted the report has recognised the hard work that has been put into improving our school.

“We have been working on our curriculum a lot over the last few years and are delighted that this was recognised within the report.

“We have been left with an area for development that we have already started on, as we start our journey to become an outstanding school.”