A primary school is celebrating “brilliant news” after Ofsted awarded a good rating in its first inspection since a merger.

Government inspectors rated Moorside Primary School and Nursery in Ripon good in all four categories – quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development and leadership and management.

It is the first assessment since Moorside Junior School and Moorside Infant school merged in 2019.

Inspectors praised pupil behaviour, including how youngsters treat their teachers and each other with respect.

Darlington and Stockton Times: Pupils celebrate 'Good' Ofsted at Moorside Primary and Nursery

The report said: “The school has created an ambitious curriculum that fully meets the expectations of the national curriculum. Leaders, including governors, have a shared ambition for the school and its pupils. They fulfil their roles effectively.

“Pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), establish positive relationships with staff. They describe their teachers as ‘caring’ and ‘kind’.”

One parent said: “Our children are so lucky to start their education at Moorside. The school is a credit to itself and the community.”

Inspectors identified strengths with the school curriculum, and staff dedication was commended.

North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for education, learning and skills, Cllr Annabel Wilkinson said: “We would like to congratulate school leaders, governors, all the staff and everyone involved in achieving this good judgement. We are constantly striving to provide the best education for all our pupils, so this is brilliant news for North Yorkshire and for our education leaders, school staff, pupils and parents who have all been working hard to achieve this outcome. Thank you and congratulations to all involved.”

Headteacher of Moorside Primary School and Nursery, Claire Rowett said: “We are absolutely thrilled to receive this grading. I would like to thank our committed staff and governors who have been part of our unique journey and helped us to, not only physically to build a school, but a strong community ethos with children at its heart. I would also like to thank the parents for their overwhelming support – working in collaboration with us to support their children and for also sharing their views with Ofsted where 100 per cent of them said that they would recommend our school to another parent.”