FOLLOWING an Ofsted inspection, Great Bedwyn Primary has emerged as one of the top schools in the country.

In their summary the inspectors, who visited the school on December 4, gave it an outstanding rating.

Gordon Stone, chairman of governors, said: "This is an outstanding result and credit is due to Anne Davidson's leadership and the support of the staff who work so well as a team with her.

"The governors are delighted to have their thoughts confirmed that Great Bedwyn School is an excellent school."

Governor Veryan Nield echoed his sentiments saying: "We are delighted with the Ofsted report.

"Everybody strives to create the best school and environment for the children and it's wonderful to have recognition of the achievements of the school and everyone associated with it."

Head teacher Anne Davidson said: "The staff are extremely proud of all our children both past and present. This report reflects all their achievements both academic and non-academic over the past four years."

The children, too, expressed their delight.

Together Felix Stock from Year 5 and Angus Morshead from Year 6 said: "The inspector asked some tricky questions which we really had to think hard about but we enjoyed the experience.

"We are all very pleased with the wonderful result and we're proud to be Great Bedwyn School pupils."

The Ofsted report stated that the school had been conservative with its own claims about its performance.

"The inspector found evidence to suggest that the school's own assessments, as given in its self-evaluation, were modest, and these have been upgraded where appropriate in this report," it stated. Overall the report said the school gave outstanding education to its 195 pupils.

It stated: "The school has been awarded numerous nationally recognized awards including healthy schools and high standards in art and physical education.

"Pupils are confident learners because there is a mutual respect for everyone's views and opinions."

There was a school rule, the inspection noted, that emphasises everyone should be kind to each other.

The school was hoist by its own petard to some extent the report said. "For example the school is fully aware that pupils' writing skills in Year 6 are not as high as the standards achieved in reading, mathematics and science."

The report praised the school's links with the Harrow restaurant at Little Bedwyn saying: "Close links with a local restaurant provided a unique opportunity for the older pupils to learn workplace skills."