STRONG leadership, teamwork and polite pupils have seen a village school score top marks in its latest Ofsted report.

Cerne Abbas First School, which has just 42 pupils, received a grade one ‘outstanding’ rating from inspectors who visited the school.

The achievement marks a significant improvement from the last inspection in September 2007, when the school was rated as grade three or ‘satisfactory’.

The latest report stated: “Exceptionally effective leadership by the headteacher and strong teamwork among the staff have resulted in considerable improvements since the previous inspection.

“Cerne Abbas Church of England First is now an outstanding school.

“Pupils achieve exceptionally well because of high quality teaching and an exciting curriculum.

“Excellent care, guidance and support lead to very positive personal development for pupils.”

Headteacher Helen Williams and her staff came in for further praise from the inspectors.

The report stated: “The drive and determination by the enthusiastic headteacher has been at the heart of the school’s improvements.

“She is well supported by other subject leaders who are all effectively involved in their areas of responsibility.”

There was also plenty of praise for the children and their behaviour in the report.

It stated: “Pupils are courteous, friendly and respectful.

“Behaviour in lessons and around the school is often exemplary.”

The report added that pupils ‘enjoy their learning experiences’ and ‘make exceptional progress in their personal development’.

The only area highlighted for improvement by the inspectors was the need for more opportunities for pupils to acquire advanced skills such critical thinking, research and independent study.

Headteacher Mrs Williams said everyone involved with the school was thrilled with the glowing Ofsted report.

She said: “It’s just so amazing and everybody has worked so hard towards it.

“It’s just an amazing report and we’re really pleased with it.”

Mrs Williams thanked all the parents who had responded to the Ofsted questionnaire and praised both staff and pupils for their role in turning round the Ofsted rating.

She said: “With it being a small school we have got very small classes and a high adult and teacher ratio so our standards are high, but as well as that there is a real family feel about the school.”