Celebrations are under way at a Bury primary school which education watchdogs say is “outstanding” in every respect.

Ofsted has given top marks to Holly Mount RC Primary School in Greenmount in all key measures: the school’s overall effectiveness, achievement of pupils, quality of teaching, behaviour and safety of pupils, and leadership and management.

“This is an outstanding school,” said the inspectors. “Pupils flourish in all aspects of their academic and spiritual, moral, social and cultural development in the very happy, safe and inclusive environment and are extremely well prepared for their future lives.

“The vast majority of parents, carers and pupils who gave their views were extremely positive about the school, describing it as ‘nurturing’, ‘brilliant’ and ‘like a family’.”

Ofsted said: “All groups of pupils make rapid progress, due to high quality teaching, an outstanding curriculum and their keen, enthusiastic attitudes.

“Exemplary behaviour contributes very strongly to pupils’ outstanding achievement. Attendance is high and pupils arrive punctually each day. Pupils are extremely considerate towards others and mature into responsible, well-mannered and caring members of the school and wider communities.

“Teaching throughout the school features high expectations, excellent subject knowledge and well-planned, interesting lessons.

The inspectors also praised the “passionate commitment” of the school’s “forward-thinking” leaders.

Mr David Golding, head teacher at Holly Mount, said: “I am really delighted at the way Ofsted highlighted the fantastic rapport between our children, staff and parents. There is a real spirit of co-operation evident in the school which the inspectors identified at the outset.

“The label “outstanding” is very flattering. Our challenge now is to live up to that ideal in all aspects of school life so that our children get the very best start that we can provide.”

Holly Mount’s rating puts it among just eight per cent of primary schools in the UK which are classed as outstanding.

Maurice Sidorczuk, chairman of governors, said: “We are all delighted with the Ofsted report that has determined that Holly Mount is an outstanding school. All the school community of teachers, support staff, children, parents and governors work hard together to create a very happy and safe school where achievement is high. I would like to thank Mr Golding and all the staff whose hard work and commitment has been rewarded with this first-class report. A special thank you also must go to the parents and carers of the children whose fantastic support of the school is much appreciated and contributes greatly to the school’s success.”