AN OFSTED inspector has praised a small village primary for quickly turning around standards after concerns were raised.

Carlton and Faceby CE VA Primary School, near Stokesley, was subject to a short school inspection on February 7, which judged the school to be “good”.

The result is being celebrated by the small school, which issued a statement: “The governors and staff are pleased that recent improvements were acknowledged.

“The inspector noted that standards had declined since its previous inspection in 2012 but following the appointment of Mrs Kathryn McDonald in September 2015 the school “continues to go from strength to strength”.”

The inspector’s report praised the school’s current headteacher, stating: “There is no doubt that after the previous inspection, standards of education declined considerably in a short space of time. This was identified by the local authority and the diocese of York, as well as yourself as the executive headteacher when you took up post in September 2015.

“You wasted no time in halting that decline and, indeed, you have been resolute and determined in your efforts to ensure that the pupils in your care are now getting a good education once again.

“You are an exceptional leader; your astute vision, tenacity and ability to remain calm and self-assured under significant pressure has undoubtedly rescued this school from further deterioration.

"Furthermore, improvements have been rapid, have had dramatic impact, while being underpinned in a sustained manner to ensure that this school continues going from strength to strength under your remarkable leadership.”