Woods Loke Primary School, in Butley Drive, Lowestoft, upgraded from good to outstanding by Ofsted

A coastal town primary school which pupils ‘love’ to attend has been upgraded from good to outstanding by Ofsted.

Woods Loke Primary School, in Butley Drive, Lowestoft, achieved top marks in all areas after its visit by the watchdog on April 16 and 17.

Inspectors Adam Cooke, Jo Nutbeam and Glenn Russell said students at the school, which is part of the Hartismere Family of Schools multi-academy trust, attend ‘exceptionally well’ and are ready to learn.

Joel Crawley, Woods Loke headteacher, said: “We are delighted with the outcome of the inspection.

“It is a testament to the tremendous commitment, dedication and hard work put in by our entire school community over several years.

“Staff, governors, parents and children have all worked together to make this school into a very special place indeed.”

Mr Crawley added that, while the school is celebrating its achievements, the ‘hard work’ will not stop and it will continue to improve and develop.

The report said pupils at Woods Loke ‘behave respectfully and are kind’ and they feel safe at the school.

Nursery children listen carefully and work well with others, while older children are ‘highly positive role models’, the report said.

Inspectors noted the ‘tremendous range’ of extra-curricular activities and trips the school has, including visits to museums, animal sanctuaries and nature reserves alongside lessons in Indian and Aboriginal dance.

Phil Humphrey, chair of governors at Woods Loke, said: “An excellent result justly deserved owing to the commitment, dedication and hard work of the Headteacher and all the staff.

“The youngsters feel safe and secure to achieve their full potential. It is an honour to be linked with this school.”

Sports provision at the school is well regarded by inspectors, with martial arts clubs and opportunities in fencing and gymnastics highlighted.

The report said school leaders have constructed a ‘hugely broad and highly ambitious curriculum’, which has meant pupils have built a considerable knowledge of the world.

Teachers ‘rigorously’ scope out gaps in students’ learning and support them well meaning their learning is enhanced.

Reading is a high priority in the school which is built from the early years and staff have redoubled their work to support pupils who fall behind in phonics with greater precision, helping them to catch up.

Woods Loke pupils are aided by the schools’ ‘character’ programme which nurtures their personal development, helping them to gain important life skills and setting them up well for the future.

This includes growing and cooking their own food and lessons on managing their finances.

Safeguarding arrangements are regarded as effective.