A ‘very special’ primary school has been handed a ‘good’ rating in a glowing inspection.

St Barnabas CE Primary School in Worcester has been awarded a ‘good’ rating by Ofsted following an inspection in April.

Inspectors heaped on the praise for its “enthusiastic and engaged” pupils and “extremely high” expectations, calling the Green Lane school “a very special place.”

The inspector said: “Leaders and teachers have extremely high expectations of what pupils can achieve. Pupils work hard to meet these expectations. Pupils enjoy learning and are keen to do well.

“Respect underpins all relationships in the school. Pupils behave very well in lessons and in social time.

“Teachers work hard to make sure that all pupils have a voice and, as a result, pupils know that their opinions are listened to.

“The school motto of ‘inspire, nurture, achieve’ is modelled by all pupils and adults. Leaders and teachers reinforce the importance of education.

“They say, ‘there is no wasted time’ and this is demonstrated by the fact that from the beginning to the end of the day pupils enjoy positive relationships and rich learning experiences.”

Headteacher Sarah Hanson said: "At St. Barnabas the children are held at the heart of every decision made. We recognise, support and celebrate each child's unique character, skills and strengths and treat them as individuals with something fantastic to offer the world. 

We are delighted that the hard work and effort made by our superb staff team at St. Barnabas has been recognised.

"The team really do go over and above to make each child's experience of primary school positive and enriching and our children respond by working hard, learning to be a kind friend and giving something back to their community and the wider world.

"We also had a church school SIAMS inspection only a few weeks after Ofsted and although the criteria was completely different, this inspection also recognised our strong moral purpose of 'Inspire, Nurture and Achieve. '

"This school year we also won a national Kindness Award following our children's response to the Prime Minister to help child refugees and last year our Year 6 children met with Worcester City Council to ask them to develop more child-friendly safe, green spaces for children. 

"We have achieved SportsMark Gold with three teams representing Worcester city at the County School Games next week and Eco Flag Distinction for our environmental work. Our children really are citizens of the world. 

"I couldn't be prouder of the children, staff and committed governing body at St. Barnabas."

Pupils at the school benefited from an “exceptional” personal development curriculum, according to Ofsted, and the school was “relentless” in making sure every child became a keen reader.

Ofsted said early reading was “expertly” taught by “very well-trained staff” at St Barnabas.

“Leaders meticulously plan the trips, visits and events they offer to make sure that all pupils can experience meaningful activities beyond the classroom,” inspectors said.

“[The] focus on reading permeates the school. Leaders have carefully selected the class books that pupils read. Pupils enjoy reading and speak highly of the many author visits they have.”

Ofsted said safeguarding at the school was “effective” and staff were well-trained and vigilant and acted quickly on any concerns.  

“Children get off to a strong start in early years,” a report by Ofsted said. “They are enthusiastic in their learning and, as a result, they do well.

“Pupils keep this love of learning throughout their time in school. Pupils are curious, engaged, and keen to do well.

“Their behaviour in lessons is exemplary.”