An Ilkley primary school has consolidated its Beacon status by being named as one of the country's most successful schools.

Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School was singled out for praise in the annual report of HM Chief Inspector of Schools, David Bell, for the second time this week.

In a letter to head teacher Aileen Madden, Mr Bell said the school had earned a special mention due to its 'outstanding inspection report' last year, as well as good performances in the national tests and assessments.

Mrs Madden said: "The school is very pleased to receive this good news particularly when its achievement has been recognised nationally. We feel that the school is above all a happy place to where everyone does their best.

"This recognition by HM Chief Inspector is a tribute to the effort and commitment of all members of our school community, pupils, parents, governors and staff working together to promote the highest standards in all aspects of school life."

Sacred Heart was one of only two schools in the district to be commended in Mr Bell's annual report on Standards and Quality in Education - the other being St Anthony's Catholic Primary School in Clayton, Bradford.

Bradford Council's Executive Member for Education, Councillor David Ward, said: "It is great to see the hard work of pupils and staff at these two schools being recognised by Ofsted."

Sacred Heart, which educates five to 11-year-old children at its base in Valley Drive, was selected as one of the Government's first Beacon schools, which are recognised for their high standards, in 1999.