PUPILS and staff at High-worth Warneford School have something to shout about - after Ofsted inspectors classed the school as outstanding.

The report is the best the school has ever had and head teacher John Saunders said pupils are thrilled with the result.

Ofsted reports are split into sections on the school programme and graded on a scale of one to four.

Grade one is exceptionally and consistently high, grade two is generally above average with nothing significantly below average, three is broadly average to below average and four is exceptionally low.

The inspectors' verdict on the Highworth school was grade one, almost across the board.

The report concluded: "Inspectors agree with the parent who wrote simply that Warneford is an excellent school'.

"It is an outstanding school because, at the same time as helping pupils to mature into well-behaved and thoughtful young people, teaching is so effective that pupils make excellent progress in their studies."

The praise didn't stop there. Mr Saunders was praised for his leadership, something inspectors said was a key factor in the school's success.

Lead inspector Peter Limm said in his report: "He is extremely well supported by an excellent senior leadership team who are, in turn, supported by excellent leaders and managers at all levels in the school."

Pupils were also reported to be responding well to teaching methods, enjoying lessons and gaining confidence in learning.

Mr Limm said: "Pupils feel confident that they are taught really well, observing, for example, that some of the lessons are absolutely brilliantly planned'.

"Such openness reflects the respect between teachers and pupils, which contributes to the excellent learning"

Mr Saunders said that the school will continue to work hard to maintain standards.

He said: "Outstanding is the highest achievement we can get as far as Ofsted is concerned, but we keep working on improvements and new ideas to make sure we stay at the top."

The school has come a long way since its last Ofsted result in November 2003 Mr Saunders said: "The school was given a good report in 2003 so to be considered outstanding now is fantastic.

"The pupils and staff are all incredibly proud of the result but the hard work won't stop now."

Student progress and achievement was rated as outstanding as well as student behaviour and enjoyment.

Attendance was rated good and inspectors have set the school targets to improve the attendance of prolific absentees.

Attendance was the only category with a less that outstanding grade and something inspectors believe will be fixed quickly.