A Bradford primary has been given the highest possible rating in an Ofsted inspection for the fourth time in a row.

The “outstanding” verdict given to St John’s CofE Primary in Bierley by inspectors last month comes after the school achieved the same accolade in 1995, 2002 and 2007.

The latest report reads: “St John’s is an outstanding school that has been highly successful for a number of years. It has even improved after being judged as outstanding in 2007.”

Headteacher Elizabeth Lawley, who joined the school since that last inspection, said: “St John’s has undergone significant changes in the last couple of years and we are delighted that we have been able to build on the school’s previous success.”

The report goes on to praise “pupils’ joyful enthusiasm for school”, noting that “their highly thoughtful behaviour and remarkable feelings of safety result from the school’s deep-rooted culture of mutual care and support”.

“Good teaching underpinned by very accurate assessment of pupils’ learning, an influential curriculum and highly effective systems of support all combine to make children eager and enthusiastic learners,” the inspectors say.

“The meticulous analysis of teaching and pupils’ learning, the school’s swift recovery after recent changes and rising standards all demonstrate a very powerful capacity to sustain the school’s excellent status.” WS.