A POPULAR village school has retained its Outstanding grade following a visit from a team of inspectors.

Cranborne First School received high praise following the National Society Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools.

The school, in Water Street, has just 127 pupils between the ages of four and nine, making it one of the smallest in Dorset.

Inspectors commended the school for its “deeply embedded Christian values” and said head teacher Lindsey Stevenson gives a very clear vision and direction to the school with her “loving, caring and nurturing leadership.”

Governors were also praised for their positive influence on the school.

Inspectors said: “The school, through its distinctive Christian character, is outstanding at meeting the needs of all learners.

“Pupils are valued as individuals, their needs are carefully analysed and appropriate provision is made for them all within a strong Christian ethos.

“As a result, attainment is at least good in each year group and pupils make very good progress.”

“Behaviour is exemplary with pupils showing courtesy and polite manners around the school.

“The school provides excellent support for parents who comment upon its family feel. The school is a happy community.”

Head teacher Lindsey Stevenson said she was delighted with the inspection report, and said:“The children deserve great credit as the report specifically recognised that ‘the quality of their work is high, their behaviour is exemplary and that friendship and care is important to them’”.

She added: “We are extremely pleased that the hard work of staff, children and governors has been acknowledged.

“I would also like to thank the parents, governors and members of the community who took the time to speak to the inspector, and to express their overwhelmingly positive views of our school.”

Chair of Governors, Sue Sykes, said: “I am delighted that the commitment and effort shown by everyone at the school has been recognised in this way by an external inspector.”