The headteacher of The Beacon Primary School has been praised by government inspectors for her ‘skilled’ leadership, helping pupils ‘achieve the best they can’.

The school was recently visited by Ofsted inspectors, who rated the school as ‘good’ – a status it has maintained since its last inspection in 2011.

In a letter to headteacher Sue Lockwood, senior Ofsted inspector Steffi Penny said the leadership team, under the direction of Mrs Lockwood, had ‘maintained the good quality of education in the school since the previous inspection’.

In her report, Ms Penny said all the teachers in the small primary school had a leadership role.

She told Mrs Lockwood: “Under your skilled leadership, they have a shared enthusiasm and ambition to help pupils achieve the best they can.

“There is a clear sense of purpose to provide a rounded education for pupils.

“Building on the ‘good’ judgement, you, the staff, and governors have shown a great determination to bring about further improvements.

“The quality of learning is routinely and firmly good or better.”

Ms Penny added: “With the support of all the staff and parents, Mrs Lockwood has created a family-friendly, harmonious school, where pupils feel happy and safe and like to come to school because they enjoy each other’s company.”

The report found there was a clear sense of purpose to provide a rounded education for pupils.

The report recognised subjects such as maths and English were ‘balanced well’, with pupils developing skills in creative subjects, like music and art. Every pupil left the school being able to play at least one instrument.

Youngsters successfully took part in a wide range of sporting activities and competitions, the report said.

Pupils with special educational needs or disabilities were ‘effectively supported’.

Mrs Lockwood said she was ‘delighted’ by the findings. “We are pleased that the report recognises our successes in ensuring pupils are happy and achieve well,” she said. “Staff and governors work hard to ensure pupils become successful learners, confident individuals and responsible citizens.

“Our school really is a great place to be.”