A primary school in Ely that opened three years ago has been praised by Ofsted for being a ‘school where pupils are excited to learn.’

The leadership team at the Isle of Ely Primary are successful in sharing their vision and ambition for pupils and parents are unanimous in their praise of them, the report said.

Headteacher, Bryony Surtees, said: “I am extremely proud of our school. The children, staff and parents have all worked so hard since we opened three years ago and I am very pleased that Ofsted have recognized all that we have achieved in that time.

“I am particularly pleased that the inspection highlighted the success of our innovative challenge curriculum and our determination and drive to provide the best education and a wide range of experiences for all of our children.”

The school, with 197 pupils, has been rated ‘good’ in all areas by Ofsted inspector Susan Aykin.

It is the first Ofsted visit since the school was formed in 2014.

Marion Lloyd, chairman of governors, said: “It has been a real privilege to watch the school grow and develop from two small classes in temporary classrooms to full year groups in a wonderful new building.

“The school’s staff has grown into a highly effective team working coherently for the benefit of the children.

“I am incredibly excited by what the future holds for Isle of Ely.”

Inspector Aykin said: “The curriculum is broad and enriching. It prepares pupils well to become twenty-first century British citizens.

“Pupils understand the importance of inclusion and equality. The curriculum enables pupils to develop positive attitudes towards learning.

“Pupil-premium funding is used effectively. Disadvantaged pupils make good progress.”

The school’s leadership team was highlighted by inspectors for their “rigorous focus on improving standards”, ensuring “that pupils receive consistently good teaching in every year group.”

Inspectors highlighted the school’s sponsor, the Active Learning Trust, saying it “has provided effective support to leaders and staff in embedding high quality teaching and learning throughout the curriculum.”

Pupils’ “curiosity and enthusiasm to learn was evident throughout lessons”, the report adds, and children “are kind, welcoming and inclusive of each other.”

Chief Executive of the Active Learning Trust, Gary Peile, said: “I am delighted that the hard work and determination of Bryony and her team and the pupils at Isle of Ely has been rewarded with this excellent Ofsted report.

“The whole Trust is delighted that the time and effort put into establishing Isle of Ely has been rewarded in this way. We look forward to the journey to an outstanding judgement in the future.”

Still to improve, the report noted, are that staff are not consistent enough in extending nowledge and skills of the most able pupils, including the most able disadvantaged pupils, across the curriculum.

In addition staff do not help pupils in key stage 1 and children in reception to develop their writing skills consistently well.