A school where pupils “achieve exceptionally well” is “over the moon” after Ofsted confirmed it is 'outstanding'.

St Joseph's Catholic Primary School in Ainsdale Road, South Oxhey, already had the highest possible rating after an inspection in 2017 and a new ungraded inspection confirmed that it has maintained its level of excellence.

The glowing report, published this morning (July 19), said children “behave extremely well at all times” and learn “high-level skills from well-trained staff”.

Headteacher Linda Payne said: “I am thrilled with the outcome of our recent inspection and feel blessed to work with a team of dedicated staff and governors; supportive parents and kind and caring children who love to learn.”

She added that the school was “over the moon” to get the result.

After visiting the school over two days in June, Ofsted said: “All staff understand how pupils’ learning develops and how they can help pupils build their knowledge appropriately.”

“Pupils at St Joseph’s are really proud of their school,” the inspector added.

“The simple school rule, to ‘be kind’, is understood, followed, and applied to all situations by pupils and adults. This means that pupils feel safe.”

Watford Observer: St Joseph's Primary School, South OxheySt Joseph's Primary School, South Oxhey (Image: Google Street View)

The curriculum is “broad and rich”, the report said, and pupils “achieve exceptionally well”.

Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities were found to “experience high levels of success in their learning”, safeguarding arrangements were labelled “effective”, and early years teaching prepares the kids well for Year 1.

Ungraded inspections for ‘outstanding’ schools are carried out around once every four years to confirm they maintain their excellence.

If there is evidence standards may have slipped a new graded inspections will be carried out either within the next two years, or immediately in certain cases.

However, for St Joseph's the report outcome confirmed it “continues to be an outstanding school”.

The religious primary school has 235 pupils aged three to 11 on its roll. Before achieving ‘outstanding’ in 2017, it had been found ‘good’ in 2012 and 2007.