One of the seven Bradford primary schools facing the axe has just had a glowing Ofsted report, it has emerged.

By coincidence, Woodlands Church of England Primary at Oakenshaw was inspected by the school watchdog a few weeks before receiving the bombshell news that it could be closed down.

And the compliments paid to the school by the Government team add up to a ringing endorsement for its work.

Angry governors are outraged that education bosses are prepared to pull the plug on a school that has received such a positive report.

Woodlands is a tiny school in Mill Carr Hill Road with just 119 children, and serves the village of Oakenshaw. If it does close in July 2004 parents in the area will have to transfer to other schools in Low Moor, Bierley or Cleckheaton.

Ofsted inspectors found Wood-lands "provides pupils with a very good education. As a result of strong teaching, most pupils make very good progress in English, maths and science. The head works closely with staff and governors to create a caring Christian ethos... teachers are highly motivated to do their best to raise standards. The school provides very good value for the funding it receives."

Buoyed by the good report, governors want to apply for Beacon status from the Department for Education and Skills, which would bring it extra funding and kudos.

Martin Tromans, chairman of governors, said the education authority had refused to support the school's Beacon bid, but the school would apply on its own.

He added that the view of governors was that the school would close 'over their dead bodies'.

Very good leadership and management is identified in the Ofsted report as one of six major strengths of the school.

The report only has one criticism - that more resources could be provided for four-year-old tots in the reception class.

The quality of teaching is rated as "good" for the three to seven year olds and "very good" for eight to 11-year-olds.

"Teachers are very good at teaching reading, writing and maths and as a result, standards are rising and pupils achieve the best they are capable of in these subjects," the report says. "Teachers' high level of expertise in ICT is reflected in pupils' rapid progress in technology and extends their learning in most other subjects. Very positive relationships enable most pupils to grow in confidence and independence, and learn in a secure and calm atmosphere."

Parents quizzed by the Ofsted team said that they were pleased with the teaching, high standards of behaviour, and the progress their children were making.

Schools Section