A "caring and supportive" school where pupils are "inspired" by imaginative teaching has been given top marks by Ofsted.

St Mary's Church of England Primary School, in Quex Road, Kilburn, had its rating lifted from 'good' to 'outstanding' by the education watchdog after an inspection in July - its first since 2014.

The school was rated 'outstanding' across all categories - the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management and early years provision.

In its report, published on October 6, Ofsted inspectors said the school values such as ‘integrity, honesty, determination and excellence’ guide the work of staff and its 221 pupils.

They wrote: "Working relationships between staff and pupils are caring and supportive at this highly welcoming school. Leaders and staff care deeply about the well-being of all pupils in the school."

The inspectors praised a curriculum designed to be ambitious for all children and said pupils are "enthusiastic" learners and staff are "highly skilled and trained".

They added: "Expectations are always high, regardless of the activity or subject. This is evident across the school, including in early years."

Ham & High: 'We thank all the children who explained their learning to inspectors so well' said St Mary's CoE primary headteacher Chloë Mitchell'We thank all the children who explained their learning to inspectors so well' said St Mary's CoE primary headteacher Chloë Mitchell (Image: St Mary's CoE Primary School)

The report said there was "great importance" placed on the early stages of reading, with books easily accessible and available in every classroom, adding: "Pupils learn to read with accuracy and confidence."

The report added: "Pupils are inspired by the imaginative subject content that leaders choose for them to study, such as the study of contemporary artists."

The report said there is also a "strong culture of safeguarding" running through the school.

Inspectors noted: "Pupils talked confidently about how the school teaches them to keep safe, including online.

"Pupils feel safe in school and know that they can talk to any adult if they are worried. This is highly valued by parents."

Head of school Chloë Mitchell said everyone was "delighted".

"This is the highest judgement possible," she said. "It is very rare that a school is upgraded to outstanding as this grade is now only awarded to schools with exceptional practice.

"We thank all the children who explained their learning to inspectors so well; to staff for the excellent teaching; to parents for their continued support; and senior leaders and governors who lead the school so well."