“EXEMPLARY and superb” are just some of the glowing terms used to describe a York primary school following a visit from Government education inspectors.

Clifton Green Primary School received an overall grade of “outstanding” from Ofsted inspectors after their visit last month.

Headteacher Sheila Audsley said the school received the highest grade possible thanks to teamwork between teachers, governors, parents and the children.

“I am delighted that the school has been given an outstanding grade, as, indeed, are the staff and the school governors,” she said. “It is a true recognition that everyone has worked together to ensure all the children receive the very best education.

“At Clifton Green ‘children do matter and children come first’ and this has been the school’s focus since my appointment at the school.”

The letter written to the children by the inspection leader Robert Robinson says he was privileged to visit the “outstanding” school.

“The inspection team really enjoyed the day we spent with you. Yours is an outstanding school because it is run extremely well by the head teacher, the deputy head teacher, other staff and governors.

“Teaching is first-rate and builds on a superb curriculum. As a result, you make extremely fast progress in your learning.”

Mrs Audsley said the pupils at Clifton Green had played a big part in the glowing report, and she shared the good news with them during a school assembly.

“It was great to see the children looking so proud when the letter was read,” she said. “They were even more pleased when I announced they could have extra long play times that day in recognition of their excellence. “I am immensely proud of the children, the commitment from all the staff, the diligence of the school governors, the unstinting work from our volunteer helpers, the much-valued assistance from the local authority and the excellent support from the parents to help all the children succeed and do well.”

To celebrate the school’s achievement, the Lord Mayor of York, Brian Watson, and Lady Mayoress Marcia Watson attended a party on March 5, held at the school for the children, parents, staff, governors and volunteer helpers.

Even after such a glowing report, Mrs Audsley said the school would go on trying to reach the highest standard at every level. “We are still forward looking to increase more opportunities for successful learning,” she said.