PUPILS at an “outstanding” church school released balloons to celebrate a successful inspection report.

St Peter’s Church of England primary school, in Brotton, retained an outstanding rating during their Church School Inspection, carried out by the York diocese.

The school also has a “good” rating from national inspection body Ofsted, which it attained in 2013.

Inspector Judy Jones praised the school’s “strong and explicit Christian ethos” in her report.

She said the school was “outstanding” because:

*Christian values underpin all initiatives and decisions undertaken by adults and children;

*All children make good progress in all subjects and particularly in religious education;

*Outstanding leadership ensures that children are given a high degree of responsibility that they use confidently when contributing to worship and other aspects of school life.

Headteacher Richard Unthank said: “School leaders and governors are extremely pleased.

“To retain our outstanding status under a more demanding set of measures is a magnificent achievement.

“RE subject leader Claire Chapman and Father Jonathan, Rector of St Margaret’s Church, have provided great leadership of both staff and children.

“Their hard work alongside the staff and governors has been acknowledged with a wonderful report.

“The inspector has rightly highlighted the many achievements the school continues to make.”

In Ms Jones’ report, she commended the effectiveness of the school’s leadership and said it meets the needs of all its learners.