An Ulverston primary school has moved from ‘strength to strength’ according to its quadrennial Ofsted report, continuing its good rating with extra commendation for its student individuality and mentorship.

Leven Valley CE Primary School, in Backbarrow, received its first Ofsted report in four years in which it was praised for its outdoors emphasis, mentorship of students, and improvements to buildings and English tutoring following previous reports.

Parents also expressed their delight over the high standards maintained, with one describing the school as: “wonderful and extremely well led by great staff, who help children to always be their best.”

Headteacher Ian Nicol believes their continued progress is due to the integral support given by teachers, parents and the community.

“We are delighted by the report, which is proof that the work done by our teachers, parents and local community is paying off.

“The warm response by parents makes us want to do even better, furthering our commitment to improving students’ vocabulary and mathematic skills.

“Our smaller class sizes allow us to familiarise with the students as individuals, and with our location we are able to focus a lot of attention on outdoors learning too.”

The Church of England school teaches 70 students between the ages of 4 and 11, incorporating the ‘Forest schools’ approach that uses the environment as an outdoor classroom.

The schools marked improvement has been recognised in its satisfactory rating of ten years ago changing to good in 2011, with Ofsted’s criteria ranging from inadequate to outstanding.