A HEADTEACHER says she is incredibly proud after her school was given top marks by inspectors.

Bethan Smith, headteacher at Framwellgate Moor Primary School, in Durham City, was speaking after Ofsted graded the 272-pupil school as being ‘outstanding’, the highest rating available, in all areas.

Inspectors said the school was outstanding in pupil achievement, teaching quality, pupil behaviour and safety and leadership and management.

The last inspection, in February 2008, rated the school as being ‘good’.

This time, three Ofsted officials visited the school shortly before Christmas.

They praised the school’s “excellent” leadership, “outstanding” teaching, “exemplary” pupil behaviour and said youngsters’ achievement was particularly high in reading and maths.

To improve further, the inspectors said only that teachers should ensure pupils are given even more opportunities to practise and consolidate their new knowledge and skills in writing.

Mrs Smith said: “I am incredibly proud of the children and so impressed with how hard they worked during lessons despite the many exciting Christmas events taking place that week.

“It is a privilege to work with such a skilled, committed and dedicated teaching staff which has in turn led to the outstanding judgments awarded.”

Framwellgate Moor councillor Mark Wilkes congratulated the school’s staff and pupils on the report.