Staff and pupils were celebrating today after their school was named in the top 10pc in the country by education watchdogs.

Ofsted inspectors spent three days looking over the work of Whitefriars School, King's Lynn, last month.

Their report says nearly every aspect of its work is 'outstanding'.

The only areas judged in need of further improvement were raising attendance and ensuring that more children attain at the higher levels.

Headteacher Lee Stevens said: 'I am really proud to be part of such a successful school and I hope everyone connected with the school will feel the same sense of pride.

'The school has made fantastic progress and this is down to the commitment and effort by the staff, pupils, parents and governors.

'This report recognises that it is the quality of the team at Whitefriars that has brought about the remarkable progress the school has made.'

The inspectors said the quality of teaching was 'outstanding'. Lessons are planned precisely to meet the abilities of each class.

Of Whitefriars's 300 pupils, the report says: 'From starting points that are often much lower than those expected for their age, all groups of pupils make outstanding progress and achieve well.'

The report also noted that, as a Church of England School, pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development was outstanding.

The curriculum was judged to be meeting the needs of the pupils very effectively.

'Carefully planned topics create meaningful links between subjects and pupils are clear about the purpose of the work they are doing,' said the report. 'Learning is also enhanced very effectively by an excellent range of additional activities and educational visits.'

Ofsted inspectors praised the quality of leadership. at the school and said the head and senior managers were supported by the governing body.

Pupils are also praised for their very good attitudes to learning.

'Pupils are enthusiastic and committed learners who throw their heart and soul into their work,' said the inspectors' report.

The team also found that the school's approach to community cohesion is of the highest quality.

'The school's promotion of community cohesion is a shining example of outstanding practice,' the inspectors said.

'Pupils and parents and carers from all heritages and backgrounds are welcomed into school without discrimination. Pupils from different ethnic backgrounds show great respect for each other.'

Chair of governors Christine James said: 'This is a marvellous result which is richly deserved.

'The school has come a long way since the last inspection and our success is due entirely to the staff and pupils pulling together under the excellent leadership of the headteacher and senior leadership Team.

'I and my fellow governors are extremely proud of them all and are extremely proud to be judged an outstanding school.'

Every parent who responded to an Ofsted questionnaire said that their child was happy at the school and that their child's needs were being met.

The inspectors found that school is developing very effective links with parents and carers.

Mr Stevens said: 'The challenge now is to improve the school even further but I am certain that, with the team I am lucky enough to work with, we shall continue to provide what the report says is an outstanding quality of education.'