A village school operating in cramped conditions with 76 pupils has been praised by Ofsted for its high standards.

The education watchdog says North Rigton Chuch of England Primary School, near Harrogate, has a "very good" quality of teaching.

Since being inspected in 1997 the school has shown good improvement, despite its small building.

By the end of year six, pupils consistently achieved high standards in English, mathematics and science.

"When compared to those of pupils in similar schools, standards are well above average in all three of these important subjects," say the inspectors.

"Behaviour is good overall, both in classrooms and outside. Most pupils show an awareness of others as they moved around the crowded rooms," says the report.

Parents were pleased with the family atmosphere and its village school ethos, with teachers responding well to parental concerns.