AN inner city Bradford primary school where the majority of children start with little or no understanding of English has been described as outstanding in every area by inspectors.

The latest Ofsted report on Horton Grange Primary School, in Little Horton, was released today, and gives the school the best rating possible.

In 2007 the school was judged inadequate and placed in special measures, but the latest inspection highlights it massive turnaround. The 750-pupil school has also improved from its last inspection in 2011, when it was judged good.

Inspectors said the "vast majority" of pupils speak English as an additional language, and a large proportion are from disadvantaged backgrounds. There are also more children who start school in the middle of the academic year compared with other schools, but despite these circumstances inspectors found the school excelled in almost every area.

The inspection report said: "The vast majority enter reception with little or no understanding of English. Children make outstanding progress during their time in the early years because they are well supported, especially in acquiring literacy and numeracy skills.

"The executive headteacher’s leadership is very effective. He constantly ensures the spiritual, moral, social and cultural aspects of the curriculum are outstanding.

"The very able head of school has a crystal clear overview of the key strengths and weaknesses of the school.

"Pupils’ achievement is outstanding taking into consideration their starting points. Their behaviour is outstanding and their attitudes to learning are exemplary.

"The quality of teaching is outstanding. The support staff are a huge strength of the school.

"The pupils who speak little or no English and who enter and leave the school at various times throughout the school year, often make outstanding progress during their time at Horton Grange."

The report also praises the school's extra curricular groups and healthy living programme.

Duncan Jacques is the executive headteacher for Horton Grange and Copthorne Primary School, she said: "We are delighted for our children, families, staff and governors. This has been an incredible team effort."

Head of the school Carol Stephenson said: “We would like to thank our hard working and dedicated team of professionals for their commitment to our children, families and the wider school community.”

The school's chair of governors Saima Mahmood said everyone played their part in ensuring children had the best possible start to their education.

Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, the executive member for education at Bradford Council, said: "This result is absolutely justified for Horton Grange Primary, which is one of the district's great success stories.

"The school is a credit to its superb leadership and staff, pupils and local families who can all be extremely proud of their achievements. Horton Grange Primary is also providing high quality support to other schools so that we can spread this best practice."