A SCHOOL is celebrating after inspectors officially declared it outstanding.

Ofsted had previously labelled Witton-le-Wear Primary School as good with outstanding features after an inspection in October, 2007.

But their latest visit from the Government inspectors has seen them leap to outstanding and headteacher Mark Stephenson said he was delighted.

He said the standards have changed over the years so that an outstanding today is even better then it would have been several years ago.

Mr Stephenson said: “I feel that the Ofsted report really reflects our school and the family ethos that we try to embody in everything we do.

“The children were a credit to the school and their parents throughout the inspection and I would like to thank them for their hard work and excellent attitudes.”

Mr Stephenson also praised parents and the school staff for their efforts.

Inspectors visited the school and its 82 pupils at the end of April and said every aspect of Witton-le-Wear is outstanding.

Lead inspector Marian Thomas said: “The headteacher and deputy headteacher have a very clear vision of how to make the school successful.

“Supported by the small but highly effective teaching team and the governing body, school leaders have continued to maintain and build upon the school’s performances.”