Partnership between St Michael's and St Catherine's Primary School s yields high praise

Two South Devon primary schools - St Michael's Primary, in Kingsteignton and St Catherine's at Heathfield - which joined together in a pioneering federation this year have both received high praise from education inspectors for their rapid improvements.

St Michael's Primary in Kingsteignton has been judged outstanding – the highest rating the schools standards agency Ofsted can give.

St Catherine's at Heathfield has been judged good and the inspectors say it will get even better in the future.

The two schools began working in partnership in April 2010 and federated under executive headteacher Martin Harding and a single governing body in April this year as the United Schools Federation.

Both schools were inspected last month and the reports have just been published.

Lead inspector Alison Cogher concludes: "St Michael's is an outstanding school.

"Since the last inspection, the school has unstintingly focused on improving the quality of education.

"As a result, teaching has improved and the excellent curriculum provides an exceptionally wide range of learning opportunities that supports pupils' academic and personal development very well."

She says the school 'adds value' so that pupils' attainment by the end of Year 6 is above average and continuing to rise.

Pupils' behaviour is excellent, attendance is above average and their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is outstanding and strongly reflects the school's Christian ethos and high expectations.

"Good teaching is the norm at the school (and) an extensive range of experiences are provided that enrich and extend pupils' learning," she says.

Pupils also receive exceptional levels of care, guidance and support.

The lead inspector for St Catherine's, Laurie Lewin, says: "This is a good school.

"It has improved rapidly over the last 12 months. Children make an excellent start in the Early Years Foundation Stage where outstanding provision helps them make very good progress.

"As a result of good teaching throughout the school, pupils achieve well.

"Teaching and pupils' achievement have improved a great deal over the last year.

"The improvement has come about as a result of its very successful partnership with St Michael's."