YOUNGSTERS who enter St Thomas CE Primary School are guaranteed a good education.

Ofsted inspectors found that pupils start the school with skills and abilities that are below, and in some cases, well below average.

But by time they leave the primary school in Halliwell, the children are on a par with other youngsters.

Ofsted inspectors reported: “At the heart of this good school are the excellent care, guidance and support it provides for its pupils.

“These contribute strongly to the school’s welcoming and inclusive ethos and to the good progress pupils make.”

Inspectors found that pupils were well behaved and had a positive attitude to learning.

“Pupils achieve well.

Entering the school with levels of skills and abilities below that expected for children of their age, they make good progress in their learning, so that by the time pupils leave school, their attainment is average.”

Teaching was marked as good as was pupils’ social, moral and spiritual development.

Headteacher Sue Pilling was singled out for praise for leading the school well.

Ofsted inspectors said the school could further improve standards by raising standards in writing and the quality of teaching from good to outstanding.

Mrs Pilling said: “The report is as a result of a good team, and staff who worked hard for the children.

“We will continue to develop the school for the sake of the children because that is why we are here.”

Chairman of the governing body David Pott said: “We will build on the report. The report has created a buzz among the children.”