STAFF and pupils at a small Verwood school are celebrating after being graded “outstanding” by government inspectors.

Despite tough new criteria, Ofsted concluded that Trinity First School is even better than when it was last inspected three years ago.

All aspects of the school, including achievement of pupils, quality of teaching, behaviour of pupils and leadership, received the highest grade possible.

The school, in Coopers Lane, has just 132 pupils between the ages of four and nine and head teacher is Jane Green.

She said: “This is testament to the dedication and commitment of the staff to provide the children with the best learning opportunities they can give them.”

She also praised the “incredible children who show such enthusiasm for learning and demonstrate such resilience when faced with new challenges”.

Inspectors said: “The school benefits considerably from the drive and ambition of its head teacher to ensure teaching and achievement are of the highest quality.

“Achievement is outstanding. The curriculum is especially well designed to engage pupils’ interest, make learning relevant and promote their progress.”

Inspectors visited the school in February to observe lessons, meet pupils, staff and governors and scrutinise documents.

They concluded that the school is well placed to maintain its high standards and urged the head teacher to build on strategies for raising attainment in writing.