Delighted youngsters and teachers at a Weymouth school are celebrating a 'good' rating following a review of its religious education.

St Andrew's C of E Primary School in Littlemoor Road was visited by inspectors from SIAMS, the Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools.

All Church of England schools are inspected every five years with a focus on 'the impact of the school’s Christian vision' on pupils and adults.

The SIAMS report found that St Andrew's 'distinctive vision of making a difference is supported by key values' and that 'school leaders are driving rapid improvement so that the school becomes even more inclusive'.

It also found that 'significant partnerships support and enhance the school’s vision and values' and the 'vision and collective worship provided much-needed stability and inspiration during the COVID-19 pandemic.'

Some areas for development were identified, including developing the assessment of pupils in RE so that progress is recognised and 'deepening understanding of the school’s vision and values by using them to inform the planning of collective worship.'

Overall, school leaders were found to 'make a difference' to the lives of pupils and adults.

"Staff and pupils make a difference through putting love into action," inspector Simon Stevens writes.

It was also noted that St Andrew’s draws strength from and contributes to its positive partnerships with the Diocese of Salisbury Academy Trust (DSAT), its hub of Weymouth schools, the Diocese of Salisbury and the local benefice.

Facilities unique to the school were praised, such as its spiritual garden and it was found that good opportunities for spiritual development already exist.

Headteacher Sam Harris said she was 'delighted' to share the report after a busy day of inspection which saw the inspector observing worship and lessons alongside speaking with staff, children, governors and parents.

She said: "We feel the inspector captured St Andrew’s well and we are pleased to see that the ethos of the whole of our school community has been recognised.

"We will now endeavour to follow up on the areas of development to further strengthen our church school status and to continue to make a difference."

Richard Butler, chairman of governors, said: "The outcome of the SIAMS inspection is a really positive achievement made possible by a tremendous contribution from the whole school community including the staff, children, parents and the church.

"The report is well worth a good read as it celebrates the many positives within the school. We should all be very proud."