A Costessey primary school with a 'love of learning' at its core is celebrating a glowing Ofsted - on its ninth birthday.

Eastern Daily Press: Head teacher Penny Sheppard at Queen's Hill Primary at Costessey. Photo: Bill SmithHead teacher Penny Sheppard at Queen's Hill Primary at Costessey. Photo: Bill Smith (Image: Archant � 2014)

Queen's Hill Primary and Nursery School has been given a good grade overall, and outstanding in three out of five categories.

It is double celebration for the school, which was rated requires improvement in 2015, as it comes nine years after the school opened with just 29 pupils on September 8, 2008.

The report gave particular praise to headteacher Penny Sheppard. It said: 'The headteacher's passion and aspiration for every pupil to succeed have ensured that her vision of creating a school where pupils and adults love to learn has become a reality.'

Inspectors noted 'significant improvements' since the last inspection, 'meticulous attention' to developing learning and a 'vibrant and stimulating' curriculum.

'The love of learning that sits at the heart of the school is also found in the school libraries. Here pupils read for pleasure before, during and after school,' they said.

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'Family values are at the heart of the school... From holding the doors open for each other to helping each other in class, pupils of all ages demonstrate these values throughout the school day.'

Mrs Sheppard said: 'The fact that inspectors witnessed the genuine love of learning at our school, which the children have developed across all subjects, and recognised how hard staff work is particularly pleasing.

'We are now in a very strong position to continue with what we know works well, and focus on areas for further development, including the teaching of maths, particularly building on our 'mastery approach' to maths.'

She said it was pleasing the school, which now has 445 pupils, had maintained and grown its family values and praised her 'extremely dedicated team', who she said she is 'immensely proud' to lead.

The report said school governors provide 'rigorous challenge' to school leaders, who inspectors said are 'relentless' in their drive to maintain pupils' safety. Results, it said, have improved in all subjects, with suggestions that they remain above average in 2017.

To improve, inspectors said the school should continue to develop its maths and writing teaching.