ONE of the country’s smallest schools has been praised by inspectors as outstanding.

Oftsed inspectors who visited Wearhead Primary School in October, said the school had improved considerably since their last visit and praised staff and students.

Wearhead has 13 pupils and was judged to be outstanding across four categories.

In a nine-page report, inspector Lesley Clark said despite the school’s small size the children are offered big opportunities.

The inspector also praised the school for “excellent teaching quality” and “fast-paced fun-packed” lessons.

The report said children make outstanding achievements at Wearhead and pupils said they feel safe and happy at the school.

Headteacher Karen Evans said: “We all work extremely hard at Wearhead to provide the best possible education for all our pupils.

“The staff and governors are delighted at the inspection findings, bearing in mind that under the new schedule, a school cannot be deemed to be outstanding unless it receives outstanding grades in all four areas of the inspection, which now covers, achievement of pupils, quality of teaching, behaviour and safety and leadership and management.

“My personal thanks go to all staff, governors, pupils and parents at Wearhead who work together successfully as part of a very strong team.”