NEWNHAM St Peter's C of E Primary School has been assessed as 'good' by Ofsted inspectors, an improvement over the 'satisfactory' rating in 2009.

This was the first inspection carried out under the new Ofsted framework which was introduced as a result of the Government's desire to focus more on teaching and learning.

The report says that it is a good school where pupils are well behaved, hard-working and consequently achieve well. Attainment by the age of 11 is above average and especially high in reading. Strong leadership and an interesting curriculum have resulted in a sustained rise in pupils' attainment and achievement over the past two years. The quality of teaching is good and frequently outstanding.

Pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is good. Pupils fully understand the school values of honesty, trust, tolerance and patience and are able to relate these to daily school life.

Children achieve outstandingly well in the Reception class because of high quality teaching, excellent induction procedures, an outstanding partnership with parents and carers and rigorous attention to encouraging children's language development. High standards are maintained throughout the school and high expectations and outstanding teaching, particularly in year 6, lead to children exceeding the national average in tests.

Parents, carers and pupils said that behaviour is good. Pupils feel safe and secure and said there was no absolutely bullying.

The inspector commented that head teacher Claire Cook's good leadership has been a key factor in creating an ambitious staff team who successfully improve the outcomes for all pupils.

The head said: "We are delighted with the report. In the last two years we have worked very hard to improve the outcomes for children and we will continue to do so. The report confirms the good work done so far and that our plans are definitely on the right track."

The school's chair of governors, Ian Broady added: "The governors are very pleased that the report highlighted the many strengths of the school and the great work done over the last couple of years. We remain committed to improving standards working with the head teacher and the teaching team."