IT'S a school which children love going to — and now it is officially one of the best in Bolton.

Markland Hill Primary School has received the highest possible mark from school inspectors which found it to be outstanding.

Every area of the school was given a grade one rating by Ofsted — the government's education watchdog —which found "children are passionate about their learning".

Inspectors reported: "Pupils' attendance is exceptionally high, and they love coming to school to learn with their friends.

"Their attitudes and approach to learning are outstanding."

Results at the school are said to be "significantly above average in all subjects, including reading and writing" .

Children with disabilities, special education needs and disadvantaged pupils were all said to make good or outstanding progress like other pupils.

Ofsted stated: " Pupils learn in lively, stimulating classroom and are excited about their learning.

"Teachers have exceptionally high expectations of what pupils are capable of achieving and are highly skilled at setting them challenging activities."

The headteacher and senior leaders were praised for their "pursuit of excellence" and for believing the best is good enough.

Inspectors stated: "The headteacher's work to enrich the lives of pupils and ensure that they achieve well is exemplary.

"Together with her outstanding senior leadership team, and dedicated staff, she has ensured that the school has gone from strength to strength over the last three years."

Headteacher Louise Close said: "The key to this success, our outstanding judgement, is about the whole school team, that is all our dedicated, committed staff, children with outstanding attitudes to learning, knowledgeable Governors and supportive parents, working together.

"We all share the same vision that we strive for the very best possible learning outcomes and a curriculum, designed to meet the learning needs of every child.

"It’s about really knowing the children and planning excellent opportunities to explore, investigate and enjoy their learning."

She said the school had been focused on "continued" improvement for the last five years.

She added: " It is about hard work, focus and determination to achieve the best possible standards for the children of Markland Hill School.

"The Ofsted Inspectors judged the pupils’ behaviour, their attitudes to learning and approach to school to be outstanding; they are passionate about their learning. I was so pleased that they saw this during the inspection."

Mrs Close said another proud aspect of the report was the quality of teaching and judgement about the new curriculum saying that: "All aspects of pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural learning are exceptionally well developed and this is at the heart of our new Markland Hill curriculum.

"This makes me feel very proud to be a member of this very special, outstanding team."