INSPECTORS have praised a Hartlepool primary school and its pupils.

An Ofsted report described Sacred Heart RC Primary School, in Hart Lane, as a very good school.

The report said: "Pupils achieve well because the teaching is effective. A great strength of the teaching is the excellent relationships between staff and pupils.

"The leadership and management are very good. The sense of purpose and high aspirations of the headteacher ensure the school develops and improves."

Pupils were also praised for having a good attitude to school and to their learning, and for being well-behaved. The report said attendance rates were very high and punctuality was very good.

Headteacher Josephine Bowman said: "We are all delighted with the report, which reflects the hard work and commitment of pupils, staff, governors and parents."