A SCHOOL has jumped up in its grading by the education watchdog to one from the top status available.

Staff and children at St. Mark's C of E Primary School on Manor Road in Whitehawk are celebrating their Ofsted inspection result after the school's performance was graded as good across the board, after requiring improvement in 2013.

Headteacher Jane Fendley said: "It's a tremendous outcome for the school and for the community.

“To have raised our game to good is a credit to the staff and pupils, who are all quite rightly delighted by our success."

The report commends the school’s "very nurturing environment, where every pupil is actively helped to make rapid progress in their learning" and notes "equal opportunities and diversity" are strengths in the school, which is "successfully closing the gap between disadvantaged pupils and others".

Mrs Fendley added: "Our school serves one of the most disadvantaged areas both locally and nationally.

“We are delighted that Ofsted recognised our commitment to overcoming barriers, to secure achievement for all.

"I'm sure that this milestone for the school will be welcomed by the whole community."