A SCHOOL has been given the highest Ofsted rating in its history.

St Barnabas and St Paul’s CE Primary in Blackburn was graded as ‘outstanding’ by the education watchdog following its first inspection in almost six years.

It was given the highest praise for the effectiveness of its leadership and management, the quality of teaching, learning and assessment as well as the outcomes for pupils.

The personal development, behaviour and welfare of the youngsters was also rated as ‘outstanding’ while the early years provision was judged to be ‘good’.

Headteacher Carla Martini said: “I am so proud to be the headteacher of such an amazing school with wonderful staff, children and parents.

“I joined the school in January 2008 and at that point the school was on the cusp of failing Ofsted.

“However, through hard work, dedication and a complete change of staffing, especially the appointments of our senior leadership team St Barnabas and St Paul’s has become an outstanding school which is a true reflection of what happens here on a daily basis.”

Lead inspector Tanya Hughes said the school had a ‘clear and strong vision’ and there are ‘excellent relationships’ between staff, parents and pupils.

She added the quality of teaching has ‘improved considerably’ since the previous review and the curriculum provides ‘rich opportunities for learning’.

The Oakenhurst Road school, which has 337 pupils, was rated as ‘good’ when it was last inspected in September 2011.

It had never been graded as ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted before this new report.