ST Mary’s Bentworth Primary School has been rated “outstanding” in all areas, according to a statutory inspection of Anglican and Methodist schools.

The inspection looks at the leadership and management of the school, the school’s distinctiveness and effectiveness, how it meets the needs of all learners, and the impact of collective worship and religious education.

In his report, inspector Richard Blackmore described relationships as “exemplary”, recognising them as being the fundamental building blocks of pupils achieving so well in a “rich and varied curriculum that goes beyond the classroom”.

He further pointed out that “pupils thrive and feel able to make a positive contribution because they are expected to take on positions of responsibility”.

Bentworth Primary School has various roles across the school ranging from year six buddies for the new reception year pupils and eco-warriors to anti-bullying ambassadors. The pupils love these roles and it was obvious from his report that Mr Blackmore could feel and see the difference this made.

He further points out that “high expectations” were obvious throughout the school in all areas, enabling pupils to “develop their key skills simultaneously and seamlessly alongside their personal qualities”.

The school values and Christian vision ensured the school’s success in meeting the academic and spiritual needs of all children, he found.

Mr Blackmore added in his report: “The headteacher is an inspirational leader who is very well supported by the school community as the parents, governors and the Church work together for the very best education for the children.

“Parents are very supportive of the work of the school, one summing up their views by describing the school as ‘absoultely fantastic’.”

For headteacher Jo Ayres, it is all about team work. In thanking her “amazing staff, dedicated governors, and supportive and generous parent and church groups”, Mrs Ayres said: “This really is a team effort. The best education can only happen when we all work together for the good of our pupils.

“My deputy headteacher, Charlotte Baker, has worked so hard and ensured our pupils have every opportunity. St Mary’s and its community partners give our children the most wonderful start to life. I am very proud of this report and excited about the future.”

St Mary’s head boy and head girl, Fred and Ashanti, said: “We were surprised at the outstanding report and we are very proud of ourselves.”

Maria Fordyce, chairman of governors, said: “The whole school community – staff, children, parents and friends and governors – are delighted with the positive report and the outstanding gradings awarded.

“The governors share the inspector’s view that the staff work exceptionally hard to ensure that every child achieves the best in their learning and personal development.

“We thank the staff for their dedication and commitment.  The children are also to be congratulated for their ability to rise to challenges and demonstrate that they understand and, daily, live our school values of ‘love, respect and belong’ whether or not there is an inspector in the building.”

Sue Bowen, the diocesan schools adviser, added: “We are delighted that the work of the whole school community at St Mary’s Bentworth has been recognised in their report. We are particularly delighted that the school is not resting on its laurels but that it is continuing to find new and creative ways to celebrate it’s Christian character.”