A primary school where "pupils flourish" hopes it is on its way to an outstanding rating after Ofsted's latest visit.

Wilberforce Primary School, in Beethoven Street, Queen's Park, was told it could be on track for an upgrade to the education watchdog's top grade after a short inspection on November 2.

In their report, published on December 6, inspectors did not give a new rating said the school - judged 'good' after its last inspection in 2018 - could go up to ‘outstanding’ at its next full inspection, likely to be in the next two years. 

The report said: "Pupils flourish in this thriving school community. There are high expectations for what pupils can achieve."

Inspectors praised a "well-thought-out, ambitious and broad curriculum," adding teachers are "experts in the subjects they teach".

The report lauded children's behaviour, continuing: "Integrity is an important part of the school’s culture" and that older pupils meet with younger pupils to discuss the impact their behaviour has on others.

Ham & High: Ofsted chiefs said Wilberforce Primary School may well be rated 'outstanding' at its next inspectionOfsted chiefs said Wilberforce Primary School may well be rated 'outstanding' at its next inspection (Image: United Learning)

While the report noted the many things the school did well, there was no advice on what it needs to do to achieve the outstanding rating.

Kim Cooper, headteacher at Wilberforce Primary, said it was a "fantastic judgement" that "proves what a supportive and happy community we have fostered here at Wilberforce". 

She added: "We're really happy because they couldn't really give us any area to focus on so we're just making sure that everything continues to be well embedded, that the children here still continue to access a really rich curriculum and that all their enrichment opportunities continue to happen as well. Embed it all and keep it all going."

She thanked all staff, pupils, family and friends. "It is only by working together that we have been able to achieve this outcome," she added.

Darran Ellison-Lee, director of primary education at United Learning, which runs the school, said it was a "highly encouraging report".

"Alongside an ambitious and successful academic curriculum, pupils are taught effectively how to look after their minds and bodies, and, importantly, thoroughly enjoy their time in school. Congratulations to all.”