A 'caring' Otley school is celebrating after being praised by Ofsted inspectors.

National test results at St Joseph's RC Primary improved significantly last year.

An increase in the number of pupils achieving higher Level 5 grades for maths, English and science in Key Stage 2 has put the school in the top five per cent in the country.

The report felt that pupils were achieving well and targets for national tests had been exceeded in both key stages.

Attainment in music and physical education was also highlighted as above levels expected for the age groups.

Inspectors said there was 'very good provision for moral and social development and good provision for spiritual and cultural development' at the school.

And such provision 'underpins the school's caring ethos and permeates though the curriculum effectively'.

Efficient management by the head teacher and governors came in for praise and teaching was described as 'good overall'.

Staff had worked hard to address key issues raised in the last report. And relationships between staff and pupils and between pupils themselves were very good.

The report recognised that effective teamwork had taken the school forward successfully.

Ian Nicholson, chairman of the governors, said he was delighted that head teacher Christine Russell's management and leadership skills had formed an effective team which had led the children into achieving the results they deserved.

The staff and governors are now putting together an action plan that will continue to develop information technology and assessment.