STAFF and pupils at schools served by a Poole-based Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) are celebrating after all received high praise following inspections.

The Harbourside Learning Partnership has welcomed Ofsted inspectors to five of its six schools and Church of England inspectors to its sixth school since March.

Following a visit to Baden-Powell and St Peter's Junior School, inspectors told leaders: "You have established a school ethos of enjoyment and inspiration. Relationships between staff and pupils are strong and productive. Parents value the work you do."

When Ofsted visited Courthill Infant School they said: "You are a strong and capable leadership team. You have a deep understanding of the school's effectiveness. You use your evaluations to keep the school improving."

Inspectors were equally complimentary at Longfleet Primary School and said: "Pupils work well together. From their earliest years in school they learn to attend and concentrate in class because of the school's high expectations of behaviour and respect for each other."

At Oakdale Junior they said: "Staff are proud to be members of the school and work hard to provide the best. Pupils learn in an atmosphere that values the. They behave well, are polite and well-mannered."

Old Town Infant School and Nursery was also praised by inspectors who said: "You and your staff create a warm welcome for children and their families.

"Your commitment to put 'children at the heart of everything we do' is reflected in your drive to continue to make improvements to the school."

All five schools were graded Good by Ofsted.

At Lilliput Infant School, a Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools (SIAMS) report graded it as Excellent.

Inspectors said: "There is an inspirational culture of innovation supported by outstanding partnerships which empower staff to research and develop highly creative approaches to teaching and learning.

Paul Howison, CEO of the Harbourside Learning Partnership, said: "We are proud of the many strengths that inspectors have praised. There are a number of positive themes running through the schools’ reports: effective school leadership is often highlighted along with engaging teaching, positive pupil behaviour, high levels of parental satisfaction and a vibrant curriculum.

"All this inspection activity provides strong affirmation that around 3,000 children are being served really well by HLP schools. Our schools chose to formalise their relationship as a Multi Academy Trust so that they may grow stronger together: it is a great pleasure to see that bearing fruit in so many ways. Our thanks to the dedicated, committed and talented staff that support our children so well."