A school near Dereham is celebrating after Ofsted inspectors raised its overall status from 'satisfactory' to 'good' – with particular praise for the pupils' outstanding behaviour and attitudes to learning.

Beeston Primary School, on Chapel Lane in Beeston, was inspected on June 19 and 20.

The achievement of pupils, the quality of teaching and the school's leadership were all rated good, but the top rating of 'outstanding' was reserved for the behaviour and safety of the young students.

In his report, lead inspector David Herd says: 'Pupils are extremely friendly and considerate, and feel very happy and safe in school.

'Their behaviour and attitudes to learning are outstanding, and this makes a considerable contribution to the good progress they make.

'They participate well and work independently or collaboratively without fuss, with even the youngest children maintaining their effort and concentration. Lessons are hardly ever disrupted due to bad behaviour.'

Following recent Ofsted criticism of other Norfolk educational establishments, headteacher Chris Perry said Beeston had proven that rural schools can still offer a 'great deal' to their pupils.

'All of our teaching was graded 'good' or 'outstanding' and the progress that we have made over the last few years, particularly with our junior children has been outstanding too,' he said.

'We believe that the development of good behaviour and the right attitude is a key factor in the preparation of children for the next stage of their education, and will stand them in good stead for their futures.

'I would like to thank everyone at the school for the essential part they have played in helping us all work towards our motto of 'Be all you can be.''

The Ofsted report says the standard of teaching at Beeston Primary had improved since its last inspection in 2009. It says the headteacher and governing body direct the school's work 'very well', and have 'successfully tackled previous weaknesses in teaching and pupils' achievement'.

But if the school is to be elevated to 'outstanding' status overall, the report says it must further improve the quality of teaching and pupils' achievement 'by making sure that teachers consistently make the best use of time in lessons, ensuring that the pace of learning does not drop'.