A PRIMARY school in Corfe Mullen has been awarded the highest possible rating for an Ofsted inspection.

Rushcombe First School was described as "exceptional", achieving the rating of outstanding in all areas, after an inspection in December, with the school curriculum being described as "rich, inclusive and ambitious" by the report.

This was the school’s first inspection since 2007, when it was also awarded a grade of outstanding.

The report recognised the school as outstanding across the key areas of quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management and early years provision.

The report praised the school across all areas, saying that "pupils flourish at this school and are proud to be part of it" and that "pupils’ behaviour is exemplary", with pupils achieving "extremely well" across the curriculum.

The school has developed a "highly motivating and rigorous" approach to the curriculum, with pupil’s developing their knowledge, skills and understanding across the board, whilst experiencing "the awe and wonder of learning".

The approach of the school has been identified as being unique within the field, with the school consistently achieving significantly above national and local results in assessment data.

Grades of outstanding are rare under the most recent education inspection framework, with over 80 per cent of schools being unable to retain their outstanding grade.

Only two primary schools in the last 100 inspected nationwide have achieved the grade of outstanding, according to research by Watchsted published in January.

Rushcombe's headteacher, Caroline Mahon, said: “This is a fabulous recognition of all of our children who demonstrate their love of learning and wonderful personal qualities on a daily basis, as well as the exceptional commitment of the school’s highly skilled staff team.

“We are delighted that our Ofsted inspection has given recognition to the values and principles we have worked tirelessly towards.

“We truly believe that Rushcombe First School is a very special school, and we are delighted that this outstanding judgement will enable us to continue our journey of innovation and excellence.”