A SCHOOL'S high standards and rapid rate of improvement has put it at the forefront of the UK's national education inspections.

St Andrew's CE Primary in Radcliffe has become one of the first schools in the country to be chosen for a "short" inspection by Ofsted. The new "light touch" look at life in the classroom was chosen because St Andrew's met a number of essential criteria.

Ofsted felt that the school not only produced a favourable report from its last inspection, but had also shown sustained high standards and continuous improvement. In addition its achievements were favourable in relation to similar schools and there was good overall performance against the national averages.

The new short inspection system meant that the Ofsted team were in the school for just three days, although that did not stop them taking a detailed look at everyday operations.

Once again the inspectors found that the school was well led, pupils continued to achieve high standards and teaching was described as one of the many strengths.

The Ofsted inspectors said: "When last inspected in November 1996, St Andrew's was judged to be a good school. Strengths identified at that time have been maintained, although the advent of the national literacy and numeracy programmes has lead to a noticeable reduction in the time available to teach foundation subjects." Among the few criticisms was a feeling that the pupils' understanding of the diversity of cultures in Britain was insufficiently developed and that cramped classrooms in Key Stage 2 made it difficult for teachers undertaking practical and other work.

However, at the end of Key Stage 2, pupils' results were well above the national average in the core subjects of English, maths and science and much higher than those found in similar schools. Forty per cent of pupils achieved Level 5 in English and 50 per cent in both maths and science.

And, there was a pat on the back for the boys at St Andrew 's who continue to achieve far higher results than boys nationally.

Inspectors found that pupils' attitudes and behaviour were very positive.

The report said the headteacher, Mrs Alwen Bowes, provides excellent leadership and is respected by staff, governors and parents.

Ofsted Lead Inspector, Mr Philip Cole, said: "St Andrew's School sets and achieves high targets, successfully promotes high standards and enables all pupils to do well." Chairman of governors, Mr Greg Ridgeon, added: "We are pleased that the inspectors have recognised the considerable strengths of our school. They found that our pupils behave well, work hard and have very positive attitudes to learning and they also noted the high level of parental confidence in the school."

Headteacher Mrs Alwen Bowes said: "I am very proud to be the headteacher of St Andrew's School. It is a happy and successful family school and it is a privilege to lead its dedicated staff and work with its lively and enthusiastic pupils."

In a separate denominational inspection, St Andrew's was said to be achieving goals in its mission statement through good relationships, a commitment to good behaviour and a well defined behaviour policy.

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