A PRIMARY school in Hereford has been rated as outstanding in a new Ofsted report.

St Francis Xavier's Primary School, in Venns Lane, Hereford, was told by Ofsted inspectors that pupils thrived and loved their time there after they visited on September 22 and 23.

It was an improvement on their previous inspection in 2018, when the school was rated good.

St Francis Xavier's, which has 208 pupils, was graded as outstanding in quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management and early years provision.

The Ofsted report, published on October 20, said that pupils were able to succeed at the school, and highlighted children’s regular attendance and exceptional attitudes to learning.

Inspectors Heather Simpson and Sian Williams, said: "Pupils are mature and well mannered. They demonstrate high levels of care and consideration for each other and are very respectful towards staff and visitors."

The headteacher Diana Pearce, and all staff were said to be focused on providing an outstanding education and exemplary care.

Ofsted found that in all subjects and year groups, leaders had established clear and ambitious curriculum plans.

This ensured that pupils achieved at a high level in all areas, especially in English and mathematics.

It said that pupils with special educational needs and disabilities received "excellent" support from staff.

Ofsted said the teaching of early reading and mathematics were at the cornerstone of the highly successful curriculum.

It also found that a strong focus was given to developing children’s communication and language skills, enabling them to discuss and explain their learning from an early stage.

Ofsted said that pupils have many positions of responsibility in school, with roles including house captains, behaviour ambassadors and head boy and girl.

"These roles enable pupils to contribute to school events and represent their peers", Ofsted said.

The report also found the arrangements in place for safeguarding were effective.

Ofsted said: "There is a strong and well established culture of safeguarding in this school. Keeping pupils safe is at the heart of the school's work."