A Smithills primary school is celebrating a very positive report from education watchdogs.

Ofsted inspectors have reported that St Peter's Smithills Dean CE is a "very good school with many excellent features," and 92 per cent of the teaching was adjudged to be very good or excellent. Headteacher Valerie Skinner said: "Everyone is delighted. It's a terrific report for the school and praises the staff, the children and the management. We could not have received a more positive appraisal."

The 218 strong school received praise for its leadership and the progress made by pupils.

Ofsted inspectors reported: "Pupils make very good progress, achieve well and reach well above average standards by Year 6. Overall, the school provides very good value for money."

Chair of Governors, Cllr Roger Hayes, said: "This is a superb report.

"The fact that staff work so hard to ensure that learning is fun will hopefully lead to a life-long love of learning for which the children will always be grateful."