STAFF at Lostwithiel Primary School have been praised for providing an “exceptional educational experience” after inspectors gave the school their highest possible rating for behaviour and attendance.

Headteacher Elaine Badger said the school was “absolutely delighted” with the outcome, which she said reflected the “hard work and dedication” of staff.

She added: “Our team know Lostwithiel Primary is a very special place and the inspectors recognised and celebrated this during their time with us. We are incredibly proud.”

Ofsted inspectors, who visited the school in June, described staff’s “exceptional care, support and expertise”, saying pupils “simply love coming to school”.

Lostwithiel was rated ‘exceptional’ for behaviour and attendance – a grade achieved by just two per cent of schools nationally.

The school was judged ‘strong’ across the other six areas assessed, including achievement, curriculum and teaching, early years, inclusion, leadership and governance, and personal development and wellbeing.

Inspectors found pupils typically achieve above the national average in reading, writing and mathematics, while disadvantaged pupils also perform well.

The report also praised the school’s curriculum, saying it had been strengthened since the previous inspection in May 2022 and was now “ambitious and broad” across all subjects.

Teachers were praised for expertly supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, as well as children facing other barriers.

Inspectors noted targeted teaching ensures “no one falls behind”.

The report also highlighted the work of Cornwall Education Learning Trust, which was praised for providing “robust challenge and support” and ensuring the school moves in the right strategic direction.

CELT chief executive Dan Morrow said: “We couldn’t be prouder of what Lostwithiel School has achieved. This is their success, and it is richly deserved.”

Mr Morrow added that Lostwithiel staff were already sharing their expertise with other schools across CELT and beyond, describing the report as “a testament to their hard work”.