THE attitudes of pupils and the leadership of the headteacher are just two of the areas at Wisbech St Mary C of E Primary School praised recently. An inspector from OfSTED – the Office for Standards in Education – also found good teaching at the school.

THE attitudes of pupils and the leadership of the headteacher are just two of the areas at Wisbech St Mary C of E Primary School praised recently.

An inspector from OfSTED - the Office for Standards in Education - also found good teaching at the school.

"Pupils particularly enjoy practical activities where they explore ideas and share views, for example in drama and science.

"Support staff make a significant impact on teaching and learning by encouraging specific pupils to try their best," said the inspector's report.

He particularly highlighted the strengths of the curriculum, which include many visits, visitors, opportunities for sport and the teaching of French in all year groups.

"These activities alongside the good range of clubs the school offers, support pupils' personal development well," added the inspector.

Pupils in turn were praised for their personal development and good behaviour.

"Pupils show kindness and care for others and enjoy taking responsibilities. Their behaviour is good and most try their best in lessons.

"Pupils' spiritual, moral and social development is good. Pupils understand well the importance of working with others supportively. They willingly take on responsibilities such as helping around school," continued the report.

Headteacher Caroline Davis was singled out for her leadership of the school. "The headteacher has led school improvement well. Raising standards is a priority. Under her good quality guidance, resulting from her accurate assessment of the school's development needs, provision for English and mathematics has improved and standards are getting better.

"Partnerships with the local community, schools and colleges are good and support pupils' personal and academic progress well," said the inspector.

"Governors support the school well and regular visits provide them with a sound overview of the school's work," he concluded.

The school was encouraged to monitor teaching and learning more rigorously and to make sure teachers fully explain targets to pupils.

Headteacher Caroline Davis said: "The governors and staff were delighted to both hear and read that the inspector was able to clearly see that our school had made satisfactory improvement since out last inspection and that pupils are happy at school, form good relationships and trust all the adults who work with them, and that pupils show kindness and care for others and enjoy taking responsibilities.

"All who work at and for our school are determined to constantly improve both standards and the quality of education and the whole-school experience for all our pupils so that they are fully and purposefully equipped for life after their time at Wisbech St Mary.