An Ipswich school where reading, writing and maths standards are amongst the best in the country has been given an outstanding Ofsted rating. 

The watchdog inspected St Mary’s Catholic Primary School in Woodbridge Road on March 5 and 6, handing it a top rating of outstanding in every category. 

Part of Our Lady of Walsingham Catholic Multi-academy Trust, the school has 214 pupils aged four to 11. 

Ofsted inspectors found standards in reading, writing and maths were "some of the highest in the country."

The report stated: "This is significant because a third of the pupils at the school speak English as an additional language." 

Leaders were praised for identifying pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and said they check that teachers provide "precise support" to pupils, which results in them achieving highly. 

The report reads: "The motto of ‘be ready, safe and respectful’ resonates throughout this highly diverse school community.

"Pupils behave and learn exceptionally well because of their teachers’ very high expectations."

Staff were said to vigilantly ensure pupils' physical and mental well-being and pupils were described as excited and inquisitive learners.

The curriculum was described as "hugely broad and ambitious" and teachers were found to have "strong subject knowledge". 

Inspectors said leaders have prioritised the teaching of reading across the curriculum and, if pupils fall behind, they are supported to catch up.

The report states: "Pupils respect and value difference. They do not tolerate any form of discrimination." 

It continues: "The school provides an outstanding level of education. This prepares pupils exceptionally well for the future.

"Leaders are sharing their considerable expertise to support other schools in the trust."

Our Lady of Walsingham Catholic Trust runs several other schools in Suffolk including St Benedict's Catholic High School in Bury St Edmunds, St Felix Catholic Primary school in Haverhill and St Louis Catholic Academy in Newmarket.