THERE were cheers all round at South Petherton Junior School after being given an outstanding grading across all areas in its OFSTED report.

The school was praised by inspectors, who visited in October, for a number of things including teaching, pupils’ attainment, support to pupils and the curriculum.

In particular, head teacher Catherine Walker was praised for being “wholly committed to ensuring that all pupils receive the best possible education.”

And for her “determination and inspiration, ensuring that high standards of achievement are maintained and strengthened.”

Mrs Walker told the News: “It was lovely to be identified and it is good to see that our leadership has been identified as being strong which is important but it is not all down to me.

“I have a wonderful and dedicated set of staff, parents and governors.”

Inspectors said that pupils enjoy learning because it is extended by “memorable activities” which “contribute to the pupils’ excellent personal development.”

The last time the school was inspected, it was rated a good, and Mrs Walker added that the success was down to all.

“The success of the school is down to the hard work and commitment of all of the school community – the dedicated staff team, wonderful children and of course the governing and parental bodies,” she said.

“Children at South Petherton Juniors are excited to learn and show the highest levels of respect and consideration for each other.

“Our ethos is very much one of belonging.

“That for me was summed up by everyone who had a part to play and my own ethos of having good manners and being good citizens for the future.”

So what will the school do to ensure the hard work is kept up?

Mrs Walker added: “It is a difficult framework, the standards for OFSTED keep being raised and we always have a foot on the pedal but we will continue to do everything we can to do the best for our children, which is the most important role of the job.”