A Welwyn Garden City headteacher has said she is “delighted” after her school was lauded in its latest Ofsted report.

Panshanger Primary School was graded ‘good’ following November’s assessment, the results of which were released earlier this month.

In a letter to headteacher Sarah Holt, inspectors said parents were “overwhelmingly impressed” by her hard work, and found the focus on academic and pastoral success was shared by all staff members.

“Parents commented on the ‘professional level of teaching’ and the ‘lovely, family school’,” the report reads.

“One parent noted how Panshanger Primary School ‘not only extends learning through rich and well-balanced experiences, but also nurtures, encourages and supports pupils as individuals’.

“Together with the governing body, leadership has continued to improve the quality of education and pastoral support provided to pupils across the school.”

The report highlights Panshanger’s effective monitoring processes, which support teaching, learning and assessment.

Safeguarding was also judged to be effective, and inspectors praised the pupils’ “exemplary behaviour”.

The report continues: “They are courteous, respectful and kind towards their classmates and adults.

“As a consequence, there is a harmonious learning environment throughout the school.

“Pupils are eager to learn and enthusiastic about the topics they study. You have ensured that pupils study a rich curriculum whereby their innate curiosity about the world is cultivated and extended.

“Pupils have a range of opportunities to develop their understanding about critical British values such as democracy, tolerance and free speech.”

Inspectors said a key line of enquiry was how well the most able pupils progressed, because in 2016 Key Stage 2 pupils only performed in line with national expectations, while those in Key Stage 1 exceeded them.

The report said: “Due to improved teaching, learning and tracking of pupils’ progress, in 2017 the most able pupils in Key Stage 2 significantly exceeded the national average for reading and writing.

“However, the most able pupils underachieved in mathematics in comparison to their national counterparts.

“You have acknowledged the issue and taken immediate action to improve pupils’ achievements.”

Headteacher Sarah Holt said: “The children are at the centre of everything we do at Panshanger Primary School.

“We are delighted that the recent Ofsted report truly reflects the hard work and commitment of all the staff.

“We work closely together to ensure every child has the opportunity to achieve to the best of their ability.”