'Outstanding' school is a place where pupils love to learn

Na glowing Ofsted inspection, pupils at a Mid Devon school were found to be "thriving academically, socially and emotionally

- by LEWIS CLARKE

The report also found that The Duchy School in Bradninch "is fun and enjoyable," pupils "feel safe and happy" and simply "love school".

The school, in Bowley Meadow, was inspected in April. It has 200 pupils aged four to 11 on the roll and has been part of The Harbour Schools Partnership since converting to academy status.

This was its first full inspection since 2015, when it was last rated outstanding.

Under new guidance introduced in September 2024, schools are no longer given an overall effectiveness grade - but The Duchy School nonetheless achieved the highest possible judgements in four of the five categories inspected.

The quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development and leadership and man-

agement were all deemed 'outstanding'.

Early years provision, while strong, was graded slightly lower at 'good' due to one area for improvement.