A primary school in Bolton has been rated as outstanding in every area, following an Ofsted inspection.

Oxford Grove, on Shepherd Cross Street, Heaton, was previously given a good ranking when it was inspected in 2012 and 2017.

But when inspectors visited earlier this year they were even more impressed.

The school was ranked as outstanding for quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management as well as early years provision.

The inspection was the first to take place since the Covid pandemic.

The inspectors, who visited the school in February, discussed the impact of lockdowns on the school and took this account in their evaluation of the school.

They met with headteacher Nadine Harvey and a wide range of other staff, and also the governing body and spoke to representatives of Bolton Council on the phone.

Inspectors spoke to parents about their views on the school and observed how pupils behaved both in lessons and during playtime.

The school’s commitment to special educational needs and reading were highlighted.

The report said: “Pupils learn to read fluently and with high levels of comprehension.

“They revel in discussing their favourite books and authors.

“Leaders ensure that pupils are immersed in a broad range of high-quality texts which match the cultural diversity of the school community.

“Engaging reading spaces capture pupils’ imaginations and foster their love of reading."

They added: “Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) achieve especially well.

“This is because leaders identify the additional needs of pupils with SEND swiftly and accurately.

“Leaders ensure that pupils with SEND fully access the curriculum and learn well alongside their classmates.”

There was also praise for the young leaders at the school and it said pupils were “prepared for life in modern Britain.”

The report said: “Pupils are proud to represent their school and strive to be members of the team of young leaders. Leaders ensure that pupils develop a love of learning.

“To this end, all pupils take part in an exciting range of extra-curricular clubs.

“Leaders ensure that school trips are carefully designed to enhance pupils’ learning of the curriculum.

“Pupils learn about and respect differences between people.

“They are extremely well prepared for life in modern Britain and for the next stage in their education.”