A SCHOOL where 'pupils never want to miss a day' is celebrating after maintaining its 'outstanding' Ofsted rating for 15 years.

Delamere CofE Academy was first given the education watchdog's top rating in 2009 back when it was Delamere CofE Primary School.

Now, after its first inspection since converting to academy in 2011, the Stoney Lane school has received another glowing report.

Head teacher Julie Clayton, backed up by her deputy Ricky Huddart and dedicated team, was delighted with the result.

Mrs Clayton said: "We are naturally delighted with the report, which reflects all the hard work that has been put into a genuine team effort.

"We are very grateful for the support from our families, which is so important when you are trying to provide the best opportunities and education for children.

"I’m very proud of everybody connected to our wonderful school. We will continue to strive to make Delamere CofE Academy the best it can be.”

The one-form entry school has undergone a remarkable turnaround, going from being listed for closure in 2007 to consistently being ranked in the top one per cent nationally.

Delamere has also recently been rated as the best for reading and maths scores in the Cheshire West and Chester Primary School League Tables.

Steve Docking, CEO of North West Academies Trust which oversees the running of the school, said: “I’m so proud of everybody at Delamere.

“The last inspection was in 2009 when the school was tiny. Mr Huddart was in his very first year of teaching.

“Mrs Clayton, ably supported by Mr Huddart, deserves tremendous credit for the way she has led the school since taking over as head teacher in 2018.

“The school has not just maintained its ‘outstanding’ status; over the last 15 years, the team has risen to every challenge and continued to drive change.

“During the past five or six years a lot has happened, including a pandemic. But the focus has always remained on delivering a rich and creative learning experience that enables all of our children to fulfill their potential.”

In their report, Ofsted inspectors said: "Pupils are exceptionally happy in school and never want to miss a day.

"The school has carefully constructed a curriculum that makes it crystal clear what knowledge pupils need to know and remember from the moment they start in the Reception Year to the end of Year 6.

"The curriculum is highly ambitious and it enables pupils to shine in every subject.

"Staff receive frequent training on how best to identify and meet the needs of pupils with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND).

"This means that pupils with SEND receive exceptionally well-tailored support. These pupils, and those pupils who are disadvantaged, flourish as a result.

"The school prepares pupils well for life beyond Delamere. Pupils are tolerant, respectful and they celebrate the diversity that exists within our society."