Pupils and staff at a Norfolk primary school have defied inspectors by earning themselves a glowing report – just a year after being told they were making 'inadequate progress'.

Brundall Primary School has been rated good by Ofsted in all areas including pupils' achievement, behaviour and leadership. Inspectors also told headteacher Rick Stuart-Sheppard that in five of the 12 lessons observed, teaching had been outstanding.

In its report, Ofsted said 'significantly above average numbers of pupils do exceptionally well' in maths, and added: 'Pupils behave well and have very positive attitudes towards school and learning.' Their glowing comments come just over 12 months since inspectors paid a monitoring visit to the school and decided the school had made 'inadequate progress in making improvements and inadequate progress in demonstrating a better capacity for sustained improvement'.

In a letter, Ofsted added: 'The inspection has raised very serious concerns.'

Headteacher Mr Stuart-Sheppard said the letter had come as a surprise after earlier feedback from the inspection suggested the school was doing 'all the right things'.

He said: 'Look at what the school has achieved now. This year our maths results were in the top 10pc of schools nationally. It's hard to match that up with a report 12 months ago saying the school was making inadequate progress. It's brilliant that we have proved them wrong.'

Last year the school had two banners made celebrating pupils' performance in their Key Stage Two assessments.

Now a third banner has been added telling passers-by: 'It's official, we're Ofsted-tastic.'

Teachers have been asked to improve writing skills for boys and spelling across the school to help it become outstanding.

Do you have an education story? Call reporter Victoria Leggett on 01603 772468 or email victoria.leggett@archant.co.uk