Outstanding Springhill

School inspectors have returned a truly outstanding report on Springhill Catholic Primary in Southampton city centre.

They gave the 630-pupil school in Milton Road top marks during its latest Ofsted inspection.

Inspectors praised the excellent start pupils make in reception and the progress they go on to make during their time at the school.

The quality of teaching was also praised and pupils of all abilities were found to fulfil their potential thanks to individual improvement targets. Standards in English, maths and science have risen consistently across the school in the last three years.

Inspectors also praised the school's support staff for helping to improve children's learning by working with individual pupils or small groups.

Support staff have been particularly important as the school has an above and increasing number of pupils with English as a second language - including a high proportion of children from Poland.

Leadership and management at the school were also found to be outstanding.

Tricia Phelan, who has been head teacher for the last four years, said: "I am delighted with the report which recognises the hard work of pupils and staff and the support of parents and governors."

She said the reason for the school's success was the "dedication and teamwork" of all staff members.

Mrs Phelan added that the school was particularly pleased with being among the top ten per cent of schools nationally for its excellent rates of pupil progress.

"We are continually striving to achieve high standards and meet the needs of all children."

The inspectors did not identify any major areas for improvement but recommended that the quality of some of its outdoor areas, such as the school field, be improved.