Pupils are flourishing at a "highly ambitious" primary school, says the education watchdog.

An Ofsted inspector visited Whitefriars Church of England Primary Academy, in King's Lynn, in November.

Her report, which gave the school a 'good' rating, said: "Pupils flourish in this highly ambitious and inclusive school.

"Expectations for pupils’ behaviour and achievement are extremely high. Pupils are very happy and safe here.

"They arrive with a smile on their face, and Poppy, the school dog, is there to welcome them.

"The warm and nurturing relationships between staff and pupils sit at the heart of the school’s success."

The inspector said pupils at the school, on Whitefriars Road, behave "exceptionally well in lessons and around the school".

She found safeguarding arrangements to be effective and said leaders have created "an exceptionally caring community".

Her report adds: "Leaders and staff know their school and community exceptionally well. They have created a school where every pupil gets the academic and pastoral support they need to thrive.

"There is an unwavering determination to provide the very best learning experience for all pupils."

A commitment to reading is "woven through" the school’s curriculum, the inspector says.

She adds: "Pupils are immersed in the school’s reading culture, developing an enthusiasm for all kinds of reading material."

Her report says had a "graded" inspection been carried out, the school could have been rated outstanding and its next inspection will be graded. 

Headteacher Mat Tuckwood said: “As a school, we are all proud of the report which emphasises what a wonderful learning community Whitefriars is.

"Everyone’s incredibly hard work, which makes Whitefriars such a special place to be, was recognised in the report.”

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The school, which has 379 pupils, is part of the Diocese of Norwich Education and Academies Trust (DNEAT).

Its chief executive Oliver Burwood said: "Everyone at DNEAT is so proud of the hugely positive report that Whitefriars Church of England Primary Academy has received.

"It is well deserved and represents years of hard work by Mat Tuckwood, the headteacher, and his fantastic staff team."