A popular school in the city has lost its outstanding rating in its first Ofsted inspection in 12 years. 

Downs Junior School in Rugby Road, Brighton, was inspected in November this year and received a good rating in its report which was published on Tuesday. 

It was ranked good on all four categories Ofsted inspection covers, which are quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management. 

The school was praised for being "ambitious" and wanting all pupils to achieve well. 

Inspectors Numera Anwar, Mark Cole and James Everett wrote the report, which said: "Mostly, pupils behave well and work hard to meet the high expectations across the school.

"They demonstrate excellent social skills, quickly opening doors and greeting visitors with enthusiasm.

"There are strong links with the community and parents appreciate the school’s nurturing approach in providing support for pupils.

"Pupils feel safe at school. Bullying is rare and never tolerated."

The report said that the curriculum in mathematics is well established and regular training and support of staff ensures that the teachers have a clear understanding of what pupils need to "ensure their knowledge and skills build over time". 

However, inspectors said that in a few subjects the precise things children need to know is "not always clear". 

The report said: "This means some activities teachers choose are not always closely matched to what pupils need to learn."

However, the inspectors said there is a "buzz of happy energy" amongst pupils at breaks and lunchtimes. 

"Staff work hard to support pupils’ high levels of attendance across the school and effective support is in place, when needed, to help pupils attend regularly," the report said. 

The school was last inspected in March 2011. 

In a joint statement, headteacher Giovanni Franceschi and Rebecca Elton, the chairwoman of the governors, said: "We are delighted with the overall outcome, as we are very aware how stringent the current Ofsted framework is in comparison to previous models. We are particularly pleased that the inspection team recognised many of our areas of strength.

"We would add that both our pupils and staff are amazing and that the relationships that exist within our community are the key to our continued success; not forgetting the many positive attributes they exhibit on a daily basis."