An Aylsham headteacher has promised to provide a school to match its 'outstanding' pupils after Bure Valley School got a good grading in a recent Ofsted report.

John Starling made the pledge as the 240-pupil school on Hungate Street was praised by inspectors for making 'rapid improvements' in recent months.

He said: 'Two years ago, we set our goal as matching the aspirations and qualities of our children. The school is at the start of an exciting journey.

'We're pleased that Ofsted has recognised our strengths, but we're very aware that there's more work to be done. We are a good school, but our children are outstanding. Our goal remains to match them.'

Derrol Waller, chairman of governors, said: 'The team has worked incredibly hard over the past two years. We have been very impressed in how the team responded to the challenge and support from the local authority in sharing our vision and drive for taking our children of Bure Valley School forward to a place where they deserve to be.'

The report, which rated the school as good with some outstanding features, said: 'There have been significant changes at this school recently and these have resulted in rapid improvement in its good overall effectiveness.

'Changes to the organisation of years three and four, to assessment systems and the quality of teaching and learning, have been instrumental in improving the quality of education and pupils' good achievement. Aspects of the school's work are now outstanding.'

It added: 'The headteacher and senior staff provide the firm and decisive leadership that has been necessary during the recent improvement work, supported by the local authority. This has been successful and, although not yet reflected in all test results, it is evident in pupils' work and in lessons.'

For the full report, visit www.ofsted.gov.uk.