A SCHOOL has received top marks from Government inspectors.

Good teaching, leadership, excellent pupil behaviour and relationships between the children and teachers were all mentioned in the report on St Alphonsus RC Primary School, in North Ormesby, Middlesbrough.

The inspectors found pupils achieved well, with their performance in English in the top five per cent of the country.

Nursery and reception classes were very good, with good provision for special needs children while pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development was very good and the school's links with the community exceptional.

A diocesan inspection of the school found it a focal point for the community it serves and a "fine example of a Christian community".

The inspectors recommended providing more opportunities for children to learn independently and to involve parents more closely in their children's work.