STAFF and pupils at a village primary school are celebrating after Ofsted rated it “good” once more.

Great Smeaton Academy Primary School was rated as requiring improvement in 2013 but went on to be judged as 'good' in 2015 and 'good' following its latest inspection last month.

The inspection was carried out under the rigorous new framework introduced by Ofsted in September 2019 which sees inspectors execute “deep dives” to gather evidence on curriculum intent, implementation and impact over a sample of subjects.

The report also highlighted the many opportunities pupils have to broaden their horizons.

These include regular trips, sporting competitions, clubs and a whole school performance every term.

Assistant headteacher Ralph Goodchild said: “The bar is being raised all the time for meeting new Ofsted criteria for teaching and learning so we are delighted to be rated “good” once more.

"Beyond that, it is clear inspectors recognised what makes Great Smeaton so special: polite, positive children who respect difference, taught by teachers who have high expectations for them.”

Year 6 pupil Bea Rayfield said: “ I’m really pleased the inspectors think our school is good. My teachers are very kind, and they make class fun but interesting.”

The school is now determined to build on the report’s recommendations and is working towards being rated outstanding.