A WEST Craven school has achieved the seemingly impossible, with a virtually perfect report from official inspectors who praised every aspect of life there.

The Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted) inspectors were so impressed with Thornton-in-Craven School that they could identify no areas for improvement.

Of the 12 aspects of school life scrutinised by the inspection team, 11 were classed as excellent - the highest classification which inspectors are allowed to use. Only in the attendance section did that classification fall to good, although there were no unauthorised absences and the inspectors noted: "The pupils love coming to school."

In a summary of the report, the inspectors wrote: "This is an outstanding school. The pupils consistently achieve standards that are well above the national average in English and mathematics and very high in science.

"The school also achieves impressive results when compared with schools with similar intakes. The teaching is excellent and the challenge for all pupils is sharply focussed so that they all make rapid gains in their learning."

Although it is a small school, the 79 pupils are from a variety of socio-economic backgrounds. The percentage of pupils with special educational needs is average and the pupils' levels of attainment on entering school are below the local authority average.

It is therefore wrong to assume Thornton School selects only the brightest children. What is exceptional is the way that children flourish while they are there.

The report highlights specific aspects of school life. Examples are:

* Attitudes to the school - the pupils have exemplary attitudes, taking a keen interest in all aspects of the school.

* Behaviour in and out of classrooms - the pupils show much care and concern for others. Their exemplary behaviour is underpinned by their knowledge of right and wrong and genuine interest in others' wellbeing.

* The quality and range of the curriculum - the school justifiably prides itself on the wealth of opportunities it provides to develop pupils' knowledge, skills and understanding in all areas of the curriculum.

* How well the school cares for its pupils - the care of pupils lies at the heart of the school's work and staff know their pupils well. They make excellent use of test results and observations to plan work and guide the pupils on how they might improve.

* Leadership and management by the headteacher and other key staff - the school benefits from outstanding leadership by the headteacher who inspires her colleagues and provides clear educational direction.

At its last inspection in 1996, the school was classed as one of only 74 outstanding schools across the country. Staff and governors realised they faced a huge challenge to improve on that, but they have done just that.

The report states: "The school has made excellent improvement since the previous inspection in April 1996."

Specifically, it notes that overall attainment levels have improved, teaching is now graded as "excellent" overall, and the governors have improved their involvement in strategic planning. One area for improvement highlighted in the previous report was the school buildings, but the new report notes that the problems have been remedied, with new extensions adding office accommodation and improving teaching space.

The report adds: "The relationship with parents has remained a constant strength and parents say that they feel privileged to send their children to the school."

Headteacher Sheila Lewis said: "It is very pleasing to see the school's strengths being recognised. They are achieved by everyone working together as a team, showing a common sense of purpose."

Malcolm Macintyre, the chairman of governors, said he was pleased the report recognised the tremendous support that parents gave in so many ways.

He added: "I am particularly pleased that the report recognises that we focus on the needs of the pupils as individuals and aim to maximise the potential of pupils across the whole range of abilities."