A Nottinghamshire Primary school has become the first in the county to be rated outstanding in all areas under tough new Ofsted guidelines.
Inspectors were impressed with the progress made by children at Abbey Gates Primary, as well as teaching standards.
It managed to get top marks despite the introduction of tough new standards brought in by new Ofsted chief Sir Michael Wilshaw at the beginning of the year.
Kate Cumberpatch, head teacher at the school in Ravenshead, said: “The new standards set by Ofsted make it much harder to get top grades, so we’re delighted to be the first in the county to do so.
“They have really tightened up the criteria. Whereas before you could get outstanding perhaps if there was an area which was not quite at that standard, now you have to be perfect all round.
“I believe the main reason for our judgment is that we have had a focus. Our focus has been on strides made by the children, because they are the heart of the school.”
The inspectors also commended the moral support given to pupils and the behaviour in classes and around the school.
The visit took place on January 31 and February 1. The report has just been made public.
Stringent new guidelines mean there is less leeway for schools when it comes to gaining top marks.
