A PRIMARY school on one of the district’s most deprived estates is celebrating after scoring an Outstanding rating in its recent Ofsted inspection.

Merlin Top Primary Academy, in Braithwaite, Keighley, had previously been rated requires improvement, but inspectors praised the school for its vast advances.

In the report, Ofsted said: “Leaders have created a culture of high expectations in which ‘good’ is never good enough. There is a ‘no excuses’ climate.

“Morale and motivation across the staff are high as a result of leaders’ vision and actions and the very positive ethos that has been created.

“Teachers’ expectations of what pupils can achieve are high. Teachers challenge pupils to excel virtually all of the time. They skilfully ensure that all have grasped the learning before moving on.

“Pupils’ personal development and welfare is a strength of the school. A rich and deep curriculum provides pupils with ample opportunities to nurture their emotional and physical well-being.

“Pupils’ standards of behaviour are very high. They respond positively to staff requests and behave considerately towards one another.

“Pupils’ rates of attendance are above the national average compared with similar schools.

“Pupils’ progress and attainment in a range of subjects and in both key stage 1 and 2 are very strong. Pupils’ progress in writing, in particular, is improving substantially.

“Pupils currently in the school, including those who are disadvantaged and those with special educational needs or disabilities are making substantial gains in their learning from their mostly below-typical starting points.

“The quality of provision in the early years foundation stage is very strong. Teaching is very effective, with skilful questions used almost all of the time to consolidate and extend children’s learning. Children’s progress across the early years curriculum is substantial.”

Following the inspection, principal Lesley Heathcote said the entire community in Braithwaite should be proud of the result.

She said: “I am delighted with the report, which recognises the commitment of the whole school community and the progress which has been made.

“The children and wider community of Braithwaite should be equally proud of their hard work, which has resulted in better than average results and a deeper understanding about aiming high for children from an early age.

“We know that our curriculum is a strength and the children of Braithwaite benefit from a wide range of exciting and stimulating learning opportunities.

“I hope that that this report can go on to inspire the residents of Braithwaite to expect the very best and know that with hard work, respect and resilience everyone can have the highest possible aspirations for their children.”

Merlin Top Primary is part of the Northern Education Trust.

Jane Wilson, Deputy chief executive of the academy trust, added: “We are absolutely delighted with the Outstanding judgement, which rightly recognises the unswerving aim of leaders and staff to create resilient, enthusiastic learners who are active and engaged in their own learning.

“The trust supports all its academies to achieve excellent outcomes for children, and the judgement is testimony to the efforts and commitment of all the children, staff and parents, which has resulted in pupils who are consistently inspired to want to learn, and of whom we are very proud.”