PUPILS at a West Devon village school 'achieve exceptionally well' thanks to 'highly effective teaching and an exceptionally stimulating curriculum' according to a recent inspection.

Black Torrington Church of England Primary School has been classed as an outstanding school due to exceptional teaching, an exciting and innovative curriculum and 'the welfare of its pupils being a high priority for the school.'

Lead Ofsted inspector Martin James said: 'The headteacher, supported very well by other staff members, has been extremely effective in creating a very successful and caring school with a strong ambition to improve.

'This is an outstanding school where pupils achieve exceptionally well.

'Highly effective teaching and an exceptionally stimulating curriculum are critically important factors in the excellent progress made by all groups of pupils.

'In class, relationships are strong, teachers make very good use of a variety of resources and strategies to make the lessons interesting and teaching assistants are deployed very well in supporting pupils.

'The headteacher, other staff and members of the governing body are a dedicated team, highly committed to improving the provision they make for pupils, especially in helping them make the best possible progress.

'Self-evaluation is very successful in pinpointing where improvement is needed and the school has moved on very significantly since the previous inspection.'

Mr James spent two days at the school in October, and of 28 separate judgements made on school life in his report, 25 are outstanding, and three good.

He says that the pupils show real enjoyment in their learning and enjoy school life, 'reflected in their outstanding behaviour, above average attendance and very prompt punctuality every morning.'

'Pupils show real enjoyment in their learning, and the work seen in lessons and in pupils' books confirms that their achievement is outstanding.

'Consequently, their attainment at the end of Year 6 is high.'

The school's future is bright too. The report states: 'The improvements that have been made since the last inspection, together with the exceptional quality of the current provision, mean the school has outstanding capacity for sustained improvement.

Headteacher Celia Luff said: 'We are all delighted with the result and it is a tribute to the hard work and commitment of all the children, staff, parents and governors at the school.'