A HAMPSHIRE school has been rated “outstanding” by independent inspectors after gaining maximum marks in all 40 categories.

The Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted) says St Lukes in Westbeams Road, Sway, is among the top 13 per cent of primary schools in the country. Ofsted has published a glowing report that praises head teacher Rachel Goplen and fellow members of staff.

It says: “This is an outstanding school that gives pupils a very high-quality, all-round education. Pupils are prepared very well academically, socially and emotionally for their future roles in society.

“Parents wholeheartedly endorse this, making such comments as ‘The school is a wonderful place for children to learn about both academic subjects and the right way to live their lives’.

“The head teacher, with the able support of the senior management team and the governing body, has nurtured and developed a team of exceptionally enthusiastic, dedicated staff.

“Every adult in the school is committed to providing each child with the best education possible.”

The report describes the pupils’ academic achievement as outstanding.

“Children quickly settle into the reception class and all make very good progress from typically average levels of skills on entry,” it says.

“This excellent progress is built on systematically in Years 1 and 2 and continues in Years 3 to 6, with the result that overall standards by the end of Year 6 are considerably above average.”

The report also praises what it describes as the pupils’ excellent all-round development.

“This is a school where pupils really want to learn and relish the challenges given to them to do as well as they possibly can,” it says. “Behaviour is outstanding and pupils have a very positive attitude to learning.”

Head teacher Rachel Goplen said: “The report is a testament to the excellent work carried out by pupils, staff, governors and all members of our community.”

Judy Scott, chairman of governors, said: “We are absolutely thrilled with this outstanding outcome.”

  • Click HERE for a pdf version of the report
  • Click HERE for a statement from the school