BURNLEY'S St. Mary Magdalene's RC Primary School received top marks after an OFSTED inspector called.

Their glowing report revealed a 200-pupil caring, secure and supportive school with much to commend it. The quality of teaching was satisfactory in 97 per cent of lessons.

Teachers were commended for being conscientious, hard working and caring, with many lessons interesting, challenging and stimulating. The report said teachers were good role models and encouraged pupils to be helpful, caring and kind to each other.

Pupil attainment often exceeded national expectations and parents were pleased with their children's achievements and satisfied with the attitudes and values promoted by the Wellfield Drive school.

Pupils, the inspector added, were well behaved, happy, friendly and well motivated.

The school provided a broad and balanced curriculum and provision for spiritual, moral and social development was good.

The inspector ordered five key issues for action for further improvement, including the development of a policy and scheme of work for design and technology.

Headteacher Terry Ferguson, said: "I was delighted that the findings of the inspection mirrored the parents' confidence in us and that the hard work put in by all the staff was recognised."

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