THE BISHOPS' School in Newquay has received high praise from Ofsted inspectors – but just missed out on the top 'outstanding' grade.
Quality of teaching, achievement and leadership at the primary school were all rated as 'good', while children's safety and behaviour was said to be 'outstanding'.
The education watchdog graded it as 'good' overall.
Inspectors visited the 246-pupil school on May 8 and 9 and observed 19 lessons, and analysed the views of 28 staff and 26 parents or carers.
Head teacher Jo Osborne said: "We are delighted that Ofsted recognise that the school's Christian ethos has contributed effectively to an outstanding provision for pupils' social, moral, spiritual and cultural development. Strong leadership from the head teacher and assistant head teacher, together with a highly effective governing body, ensure that all pupils make good progress.
"Pupil's behaviour is outstanding. They are well mannered, try hard in lessons and are polite. Pupils are proud of their school, enjoy learning and feel safe. Parents and carers are unreservedly supportive of the school."
The inspectors say the school did not achieve the top grade as "in a minority of lessons some activities planned for pupils are not challenging enough to ensure that they make better than expected progress".
It adds: "Teachers do not always check pupils' learning during lessons to ensure that effective progress is being made."
However, praise far outweighs criticism in the ten-page document, published online on Friday.
The inspectors wrote: "Teaching is good across the school including some that is outstanding. In the best lessons learning is carefully matched to each pupil's needs and because of this, pupils make rapid progress and achievement is good.
"The school's detailed tracking system helps to identify pupils who are not making good progress. These pupils are given appropriate support. Consequently, pupils' progress is good.
"The governing body robustly holds the school to account and has contributed well to ensuring the school has maintained its good overall effectiveness since the previous inspection. The school works hard to engage with parents and carers and involve them in their child's learning.
"The school's Christian ethos has contributed effectively to an outstanding provision for pupils' social, moral, spiritual and cultural development."
