A top primary school in Martlesham Heath has been given Ofsted’s top rating of ‘outstanding’ in its latest inspection – the first time it achieved the benchmark rating in 50 years.

Ipswich Star: Gorseland Primary School has received an outstanding Ofsted report. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNGorseland Primary School has received an outstanding Ofsted report. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN

Inspectors visited the school in Deben Avenue on December 12 and 13, and in its findings published last week confirmed it had improved from the ‘good’ grade achieved in 2013, to the top rating.

Delighted headteacher Darron Jackson said: “I am just thrilled the inspection went as well as it did and the lead inspector was able to see the school for what it is.

“I think what is most gratifying is the lead inspector actually understood the school and took the time to measure us properly.

“It’s really clear he thought the school was exceptional – we have known it for a long time but for them to recognise that is great.”

Ipswich Star: Gorseland Primary School has received an outstanding Ofsted report. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNGorseland Primary School has received an outstanding Ofsted report. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN

The school, which has around 500 pupils on its roll, was praised by inspectors for the leaders’ “innovative approach to professional development” that led to “very effective teaching”.

The report said: “Pupils of widely different abilities make very strong progress and attainment for pupils currently in the school is well above that seen nationally.”

Mr Jackson praised the dedication of teachers, children and parents in making the school a success.

He said: “It’s always the effective partnership between the children, parents and staff which is the most effective element of the school.

Ipswich Star: Gorseland Primary School has received an outstanding Ofsted report. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNGorseland Primary School has received an outstanding Ofsted report. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN

“But it’s also down to hard work, perseverance and dedication.

“It has significantly increased the profile of the school and what is exceptionally gratifying is the special educational needs centre we have got here has been under threat from the local authority over the last few years and that has come out as outstanding.”

The report praised the school’s SEN provision, stating that it is “highly inclusive and as a result the pupils who are disadvantaged or who have special educational needs and/or disabilities make very strong progress”.

It added: “Pupils in the school’s specialist support centre are supported very well and make excellent progress.”

The school is one of the feeder primaries for Kesgrave High School, which this month was rated ‘good’ by Ofsted.