INSPECTORS have praised a North Durham primary school for its high quality teaching and the excellent progress its pupils make.

Ofsted inspectors described St Bede’s RC Primary School in Sacriston as a good school with many outstanding features.

They said the quality of teaching is good, with some excellent practice, and the children had consistently better than average attainment by the time they left for secondary school.

Pupils of all abilities – including higher achieving children and those with special educational needs or who face challenging circumstances – made good progress because teaching and support was carefully tailored to meet their needs.

Pupils enjoyed learning, were eager and hard working and were helped to settle into school quickly and confidently when they started in the reception class.

Attendance was good and the inspectors said pupils were "happy, energetic and considerate young people" and their behaviour "exemplary".

Pupils were described as responsible and safety conscious, with an excellent grasp of the benefits of healthy eating and exercise.

The school was praised for its "rich variety" of after-school clubs and for being a happy community, free from prejudice, where pupils have strong sense of belonging and pride.

Headteacher Louise Keenan said: "I am delighted with this report.

"It shows that our pupils make good progress and it recognises the fact that every member of staff is highly committed to helping every single child get the most out of their time here.

"I feel very proud of all the hard work put in all year round by each member of staff which has helped us to achieve such a glowing report."