Staff and pupils at a primary school which has been rated ‘good’ by Ofsted for the first time since it opened are “delighted” with their new-found success.

Barn Croft School was praised for ensuring pupils “make strong progress in reading, writing and mathematics” and jumped from ‘requires improvement’ to ‘good’ in all five key areas since its last inspection in 2015.

A report by the education regulator after an inspection last month noted the absence of pupils at the school in Brunel Road, Walthamstow has “reduced significantly”.

It said teachers know pupils “extremely well” and classes are “well taught” which makes children “proud of their school and enjoy learning”.

Headteacher Tracey Griffiths praised parents and staff for working together to bring about the best rating since the school opened in 2002.

She said: “We’re delighted Ofsted has recognised that we’re a fantastic school.

“Everyone in our friendly and inclusive community has been working hard to drive up standards in all areas of school life and this positive partnership between home, school and community has made all the difference.

“Our personalised approach means that our children are making strong progress throughout the school.

“We’re creating an atmosphere where all individual children thrive, are valued, and feel proud to be members of our community.”

A total of 25 languages are spoken at the school, with over 60 per cent of pupils being bilingual.

Inspectors Gary Rawlings and Alison Martin found parents to be “extremely supportive” and full of praise for the school’s “welcoming ethos”.

Nestled in leafy surrounds overlooking St James Park and within walking distance from the Wetlands site, Barn Croft Primary is one of the few remaining single form entry schools in Walthamstow.

It has seen many changes in recent years, driven by a leadership team and governing body, which raised the bar for teaching, learning, personal development and behaviour.

This teams introduced a health, wellbeing, music and outdoor learning enrichment programme supported by the Parent-Teacher Association.

Chairman of Governors Colin Whitehead said: “We combine academic achievement with a fun and lively community life.

“We’re striving for continued success and aim to keep our children and our school progressing on an upward trajectory.

“We’re a wonderful school.”

Online surveys have shown parents value the “small school” atmosphere of the institution which also has a nursery for three and four-year-olds onsite.

Based on recent data published by Ofsted, ninety four percent of the schools in Waltham Forest are now rated good to outstanding.

The school will hold a Winter Fayre on Saturday, December 2 from 1pm to 5pm which will be open to the public.