A SCHOOL which ensures it provides its pupils with the best life chances has been given top marks by the government's education watchdog.

St Peter's CE Primary School in Farnworth was described by Ofsted as outstanding, with every area of the school given the top grade.

Inspectors reported: "There is a relentless drive and ambition at all levels in the school to provide the best possible life chances to all pupils, many of whom face difficulties and disadvantage.

"Success is not only measured in the significant progress that the pupils make in their learning but also in their personal development and growing maturity."

Pupils were said to be happy and "enjoy coming to school" with leadership being described as "strong and visionary".

The inspectors added: "Pupils are encouraged to be ambitious and to continually strive for improvement."

Pupils' attainment is above average in reading and mathematics, and broadly average in writing — with "high quality teaching" enabling pupils to make "very good" progress in their learning.

Head teacher Lynn Williams said: "We are delighted that Ofsted judged our school to be outstanding.

"This is a remarkable achievement for the staff, governors, parents and pupils and serves to recognise the hard work and determination of all concerned since our previous inspection in 2011.

"Ofsted recognised that our improvements are a 'genuine team effort'."

She added: "The inspectors recognised that we set very high aspirations for our children.

"Each day we seek to be better than the day before, rigorously striving for continuous improvements, and marginal gains in our provision for children. We are delighted that Ofsted recognised this.

"Most importantly, however, we are so proud of the comments made about our children's behaviour and attitudes to learning.

"At St Peter's we promote the concept of 'growth mindset', the belief that talent or capability is not fixed but is something that can grow and continue growing with hard work, determination and effort.

"The inspection team found our children to have fully embraced this concept and we are proud to be developing children with such positive values; children who are committed to their learning and who are making outstanding progress both academically, personally and socially.

"Our school's motto is 'Learn, sparkle and shine'.

"We are so proud that the inspectors recognised our continuous drive to make this happen for all our pupils."