'Impeccable' pupil behaviour and improvement after a 'period of transition' have seen two west Norfolk primaries praised by inspectors.

Eastern Daily Press: Pupils at Whitefriars Church of England Primary Academy celebrate their new Ofsted report. Picture: Diocese of Norwich Education and Academies Trust (DNEAT)Pupils at Whitefriars Church of England Primary Academy celebrate their new Ofsted report. Picture: Diocese of Norwich Education and Academies Trust (DNEAT) (Image: Archant)

Flitcham Primary Academy, part of the Diocese of Norwich Education and Academies Trust (DNEAT), received a good Ofsted rating across the board in its first inspection since becoming an academy in July 2014.

Inspectors praised the leadership of executive headteacher Jane Gardener, who, since last September, has 'brought a renewed sense of vision, values and clear direction... She is ensuring the school improves at pace'.

A report published after visit said the school is 'rapidly improving' after a dip in the 'quality of education' following its academisation.

'Its predecessor school had been graded as outstanding in 2012 and was exempt from routine inspections,' it said. 'Leaders have not ensured that the quality of education has remained outstanding since the inspection of the predecessor school.'

But there is now a 'purposeful environment where pupils thrive', it noted, and 'strong teaching over time is now leading to good progress'.

Mrs Gardener said: 'Small rural schools are a vital part of our village community and we are so proud that everyone's efforts have been recognised... The school has been going through a period of transition and we are so pleased that all the hard work of the children, staff, governors and parents has shone through.'

Paul Dunning, chief executive of DNEAT, said the report 'clearly demonstrates the highly effective work' of the school team.

Meanwhile, Whitefriars Primary Academy in King's Lynn, another DNEAT school, is also celebrating after a good Ofsted result.

Headteacher Matthew Tuckwood was described by inspectors as an 'inspiring leader who motivates, influences and challenges'.

Pupils' behaviour was praised as 'impeccable', while inspectors said 'exciting and engaging activities before, during and after school' contributed 'strongly to pupils' thirst for learning'.

Mr Tuckwood said: 'I know that I speak on behalf of all the staff and governors when I say that we work at the school for one reason – to provide children with the best possible learning opportunities so that they make really good progress! Our Ofsted report clearly shows that we are heading in the right direction.'