A NEW primary school is celebrating a glowing Ofsted report – despite only being open for 14 months.
The Crescent Primary School, in Selhurst, received a rating of "good" in every category.
Head teacher Jane Fairbourn says she was surprised the school was inspected after just three and a half terms, but was pleased with the findings. The school, in The Crescent, only opened in September last year and completely rejuvenated and revitalised the former Selhurst Boys' School premises.
It continued to undergo refurbishment and now boasts 240 pupils.
The school was inspected by Ofsted between November 7 and 8. The report describes teaching as being characterised by "confident subject knowledge" so that it is "lively and good humoured".
Pupils, meanwhile, enter school in the morning in a "well-ordered, calm and happy way".
The inspectors wrote: "The head teacher, very ably supported by the deputy head teacher and other senior leaders, has been instrumental in successfully leading the school through a challenging period of building work since 2011."
Teaching is "good" overall and some teaching is "outstanding".
The report adds: "Pupils are excited about learning, they enjoy school and their behaviour is good.
"Staff morale is high and there is an obvious excitement among staff, governors and parents and carers about the potential and growth of this new school."
Mrs Fairbourn's leadership was described as "inspirational".
She told the Advertiser: "It is still a very exciting journey that we're on and I'm really enjoying it.
"We'll continue to build the school community for the children.
"That's what we're all about here, we want the children to be the best they can and achieve the very highest standard they can."
Mrs Fairbourn added she wanted to make the school a fun environment.
She praised the staff team and the "fabulous" parents who decided to send their children to a school which essentially had no history.
Mrs Fairbourn added: "They took a real leap of faith to join us. I'm glad we haven't let them down."
