A school which is held 'in very high regard' by parents has been told it is outstanding, just months before its head leaves for pastures new.

Eastern Daily Press: Buxton Primary School receives an outstanding Ofsted result. Headteacher Deborah Leahy. Picture: ANTONY KELLYBuxton Primary School receives an outstanding Ofsted result. Headteacher Deborah Leahy. Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2017)

Buxton Primary School was told it was outstanding after a visit from Ofsted inspectors at the end of October.

Inspectors said 'pupils love the school and all that it stands for', staff morale is high and parents 'rightly hold the school is very high regard'.

The good news comes as headteacher Deborah Leahy announces plans to step down at Easter, to take up a role in school improvement with Norfolk County Council.

Mrs Leahy said the report was 'incredible recognition' of the last nine years, when she arrived at the school, when it was rated inadequate and had 93 pupils. Today, it has 207.

Eastern Daily Press: Buxton Primary School receives an outstanding Ofsted result. Picture: ANTONY KELLYBuxton Primary School receives an outstanding Ofsted result. Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2017)

She said: 'For us this is a real meaningful recognition of the journey we have been on.

'To increase in number as well as improve standards and to have the support we've had from families has been brilliant. We are blessed with families who really appreciate what we do.'

The report praised the school's 'strong and incisive leadership', and said Mrs Leahy had 'transformed' the school into a place where 'pupils excel'.

Inspectors highlighted pupils' 'true sense of looking out for and caring for others'.

Mrs Leahy, who was formerly headteacher at Erpingham Primary, said she had been involved with more school to school support work over the last four or five years, so the move, to help 'as many children in Norfolk get a good quality education', felt right.

'It means academic success, but also that pupils are well-prepared for life,' she said. 'I think the combination is why we have been successful - it's not just about exam results, it's about building resilience.'

But she said she would miss a school which has formed such a big part of her life.

'It's the right decision professionally, but all the things that make learning such a joy will be a great loss to my life,' she said.