Teachers, students and governors at a south Norfolk school are celebrating after being rated as 'outstanding' following an inspection.

The Church of England voluntary aided Carleton Rode Primary School, near Attleborough, received a visit from officials from the National Society Statutory Inspection of Anglican Schools last month.

The inspector found that the distinctiveness and effectiveness of the primary school as a Church of England school was outstanding. The school was praised for its warm and welcoming family atmosphere and children were judged to be well behaved.

Headteacher Julie Sandford, who was praised for her 'strong' Christian leadership, said: 'We are absolutely delighted and extremely proud to have been judged to be an outstanding Church of England school. The National Society assessment reflects the dedication of everyone who works here and recognises the exceptional qualities of our small school. To us, small is indeed beautiful!''

The school has 55 children, aged from 4 to 11 years, who come from Carleton Rode and surrounding villages.