A Highgate primary school and nursery where pupils learn about robotics and coding - and get regular visits from writers and illustrators - has been given top marks by inspectors.

St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Highgate was rated ‘outstanding’ by education watchdog Ofsted after an inspection last November.

The result is the same as that of its last Ofsted visit – but the school in Highgate Hill had gone uninspected for almost 15 years.

Describing it as ‘outstanding’ across the board, inspectors praised the “aspirational curriculum” taught to pupils, as well as the range of extra-curricular activities available to them.

The school and nursery, which has 430 pupils aged between 2 and 11, was told that it sets “very high expectations for all”.

Pupils at St Joseph’s were described as having “exemplary” behaviour, encouraging their classmates to join in with their activities at breaktimes and lunchtimes.

The inspection report added: “Pupils speak knowledgeably and eloquently about their learning, recalling in depth what they have learned during their lessons.”

As well as providing a “highly effective” curriculum, the school was also praised for incorporating robotics and coding into pupils’ learning.

Students excel at mathematics and reading, with author and illustrator visits routinely organised by the school’s leaders.

According to Ofsted’s report, parents were also pleased with the school’s performance.

One parent told inspectors: “St Joseph’s is not just a school, but a community.

“My children love going to school every day and take pride in being part of the St Joseph’s family.”

SEND provision and leadership at the school were also praised by the education watchdog.

Executive headteacher Clare McFlynn said: “We are delighted to receive this ‘outstanding’ rating across all areas, which is a testament to the dedication of all our staff past and present, the overwhelming support of our parents, and the children who are a credit to the school and their parents.

“It reaffirms our commitment to delivering high-quality education and fostering an environment where every child can reach their full potential.”

Chair of governors Dr Paul Lasok added that it was clear from the report that anyone walking into the school on any given day would “experience exactly what the inspectors saw”.