In these times of tougher Ofsted inspections, one Bradley primary school has cause for celebration.

St Thomas CofE (VC) Primary School has just been upgraded from Satisfactory to Good.

The move is noteworthy at a time when many schools are being downgraded by the Government inspectors as they raise the educational bar.

Three inspectors visited the 442-pupil Sherwood Avenue school and left with an overwhelmingly positive impression.

They said: “Each child is treated individually and learns within the context of an extremely caring ethos. From their well below average starting points, pupils’ achievement is good. By the time they leave Year 6 their standards are broadly average.

“Pupils’ achievement has improved from Satisfactory to Good since the last inspection in 2011. Pupils are currently making sustained and rapid progress.

The systems in place to assess pupils’ progress are meticulous. Pupils with special educational needs and those eligible for the pupil premium make good progress because they are supported effectively.

“Teaching is consistently good and sometimes outstanding. Good use is made of the outdoor space.

“All staff have high expectations of pupils’ behaviour and as a result, pupils’ behaviour is good. Pupils are polite and courteous to each other and towards all who work in school.

“The school’s work to keep pupils safe and secure is outstanding.

“The headteacher (David Rushby) has been inspirational in improving the school’s performance. He has had a strong impact on improving the quality of teaching and raising the achievement of all pupils.

“The governing body is knowledgeable about the school and fully involved in raising the quality of teaching and pupils’ achievement.

“Parents think highly of the school and the work of the staff. They feel both welcomed and valued in school.”

Inspectors added that, in order to become outstanding, the school should improve the overall quality of teaching and increase the proportion of pupils making better than expected progress, especially in maths and writing.