A MALVERN school has been described as "among the highest achieving schools in the country" in its latest Ofsted report.

Somers Park Primary School has been judged outstanding' by the education watchdog.

The Ofsted inspectors said: "The school provides pupils with an excellent all-round education. Pupils' personal development is outstanding and pupils achieve exceptionally well.

"Almost every parent who responded to the inspection questionnaire was highly positive about the school.

"The vast majority of parents recognise that the school has very high expectations and appreciate the support the school provides." The report said pupils make "excellent progress". The inspectors said: "The school is consistently among the highest achieving schools in the country.

"Excellent support enables pupils with learning difficulties and/or disabilities to make outstanding progress. However, this school is not just about academic achievement. There are exceptional opportunities for pupils to develop their creative and problem solving skills.

"Pupils enjoy school hugely, develop great confidence, and are prepared well for their secondary education."

The school's links with schools in Tanzania and the USA were also praised for helping raise pupils' awareness of other cultures. The report said: "Behaviour is outstanding because pupils know exactly what is expected and they respond accordingly."

In a covering letter to the school, inspector Kevin Sheldrick, wrote: "It is rare to visit a school so special. Few schools manage to combine so much fun and enjoyment with such good outcomes." Headteacher Stuart Sewell said: "We are delighted the excellent learning successes of all pupils has been celebrated, and this is a wonderful accreditation for all our dedicated staff and the highly supportive parent community," he said. "We look forward to an exciting future learning together."

THE INSPECTORS REPORTSTAR RATINGSOverall effectiveness: **** Effectiveness of Foundation Stage: *** Achievement: **** Development: **** Teaching: *** Curriculum: **** Care and support: **** Leadership: ****What they do well:The curriculum is outstanding. Parents and pupils are positive about the wide range of extra-curricular opportunities.

All members of the school community take the school council very seriously and it is very influential in bringing about improvements.

Healthy school meals, an excellent adventure play area, and opportunities for physical activity contribute to healthy lifestyles.

The school monitors attainment very well and takes action to ensure pupils achieve well.

Teachers are very skilled at identifying questions that make all pupils think.

What could be improved:Improve teaching and learning by ensuring pupils are more involved in reviewing progress and in identifying what might come next.

Increase opportunities for nursery and reception to work more closely.