A BRADFORD school has been praised for providing an "outstanding Catholic education."

The new report into St Francis Catholic Primary, by the Diocese of Leeds Diocesan Board for Inspections, says the school’s overall effectiveness, catholic life, religious education and collective worship are all outstanding.

It comes five years after the 2013 inspection that also judged the school Outstanding, and just a few weeks after the school was judged good by Ofsted for the second time running.

The report says: “The quality of provision for the Catholic Life of the school is outstanding. The whole school teaching and learning environment is of a very high quality and joyfully proclaims the educational mission of the Church to its visitors and the whole school community alike.”

It says all staff are fully committed to playing their part in making the school mission statement a living reality at the school and promote high standards of behaviour.

The report also praises the work of RE Subject Leader, Jenny Trotter, who: “is tireless in her monitoring and evaluating of Catholic Life of the school.”

It also says the school “greatly values the chaplaincy provided by the parish priest.

“Religious Education at St Francis is outstanding. Direct classroom observations including conversations with pupils and staff evidence that individual and groups of pupils are keen to achieve.”

The report says there is a genuine enthusiasm for collective worship both on the part of the staff and of the pupils, adding: “It is given high priority and is central to the life of the school for all pupils, whatever their own faith background, and forms the heart of all school celebrations.”

Daniel Copley, Executive Headteacher, said: “We are delighted with this report as we feel it reflects our efforts to live our Mission Statement to the full. The report reflects the hard work of the whole school to provide an outstanding education for the children at St Francis.

“I am delighted that the diligence of Jenny Trotter is well-documented and the support she receives from Head of School, Andrea Haines and staff and governors, is also noted.”