A WASHINGTON school has earned top marks from the schools standards watchdog Ofsted.

St John Boste RC Primary School, in Oxclose village, was described as "excellent" by the team of inspectors who visited. That rating ranks it among the top five per cent of schools in England and Wales.

Standards of pupils in year six were found to be well above the national average in mathematics, science and dance. In English and information and communication technology, standards were above the national average.

The inspection team said pupils were extremely enthusiastic and excellently behaved. The leadership and management of the school was described as excellent.

The Ofsted report said: "The whole school community works as a united team that cares deeply for every individual pupil and has great pride in its achievements."

The report concluded that the school's work was of such a high standard that there were no improvement issues to highlight.

Headteacher Paul Foster said Oftsed's judgement reflected the efforts put in by staff, children and parents.