SYDENHAM students and staff at Haseltine Primary School are celebrating receiving the highest possible rating by inspectors.

Following a two-day Ofsted visit in January, the Haseltine Road school was judged to be outstanding in all areas - achievement of pupils, quality of teaching, leadership, and pupil behaviour.

The success, acheived under tough new inspection criteria, is a big improvement on a 2010 report which judged the school to be satisfactory.

Lead inspector Penny Spencer said: "Inspirational leadership from the executive headteacher and head of school, who are ably supported by a dedicated team of teachers and governors, has created an exceptional learning environment where all pupils can flourish."

Inspectors also praised pupils’ enthusiasm and commitment to learning along with their enjoyment of taking on responsible roles as prefects, playground buddies and members of the pupil parliament.