A KENDAL head teacher has spoken of his pride in his pupils following a glowing report from a school inspector.

Heron Hill Primary School was found to be 'good' in its latest Ofsted report, following a short inspection in January.

A letter to head teacher Peter Hicks from inspector Gill Pritchard commended his efforts as the school's leader.

"You lead with passion and commitment, creating an ambitious and forward-thinking culture within school," she wrote. "You work effectively with a strong leadership team to ensure that the views and interests of pupils are considered when providing learning opportunities.

"Your combined efforts have been successful in raising standards."

She wrote that pupils she spoke to were 'very proud of their school' and were 'particularly grateful' for the range of extra-curricular activities that were provided for them.

"They spoke with particular enthusiasm about the ‘Bee Team’ and are excited to have a beehive in the school grounds," she wrote. "The chair of governors, who runs this club, is justly proud of the fact that, in caring for the bees, wider community links have been developed. Most notably, strong bonds have been created between the older and younger generations."

Mr Hicks told the Gazette that although he knew the school was excellent, it was good to have the Ofsted 'seal of approval'.

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"I am really proud of this school and of the children," he said. "They always really excel in what they do and they really show themselves off well.

"They do make you very, very proud that they work so hard and that they are so happy and comfortable talking to people."

To improve, the school was told that leaders and those responsible for governance should ensure that middle-ability pupils in key stage one receive the challenge they need to make progress in reading and mathematics and that school staff develop further partnerships with parents to enable them to become more effective partners in their children’s learning.