A SCHOOL took every one of its 460 pupils to the cinema – as a reward for getting a good Ofsted report.

St Matthew’s CE Primary in Halliwell organised the all-expenses paid trip to The Light Cinema to celebrate finishing the term on a high note.

The school has been praised by Ofsted, which graded it good in all areas – including the quality of teaching and progress of pupils.

And on the last day of term the youngsters walked from their school in Kentford Road to the cinema in the The Market Place Shopping Centre to watch the hit film Sing.

Set in an animated world controlled by animals, Sing tells the story of a young koala bear going to see his first musical production as a child. Enthralled by the show, he quickly forms the dream to work in theatre.

Headteacher Mark Hamblett said: “To celebrate the inspection result, the school arranged and paid for all pupils to attend The Light Cinema in recognition of their hard work.

“Managers at the cinema were very happy to assist us in their plans to provide a memorable celebration for all the children and staff.”

Ofsted inspectors reported: “The headteacher is determined to ensure that pupils’ experience in St Matthews is as positive and fruitful as it can possibly be. He is correct in his assertion that ‘our children are brimming with enthusiasm and are hungry to learn, they are well-motivated, very positive, caring and responsive”.

Mr Hamblett said he was delighted with the report. He said: “This is an incredibly pleasing judgement for the whole school community.

“Inspectors rightly recognised the exceptional work of all our teachers and teaching assistants.

“The exemplary behaviour of our pupils and the accelerated progress many of our children make from very low starting points, alongside our care and drive to ensure that all pupils leave the school having achieved their best, or even better than expected.

“The current inspection framework is particularly challenging for schools. It is to the credit of the whole school staff, governors, parents and most importantly the pupils that this is such a good report.”