A Watford headteacher has expressed her delight after her "thriving" school bagged Ofsted's top grade.

Nascot Wood Junior School was inspected on October 11 and 12 and the report published today (November 30) confirmed it is ‘outstanding’ overall as well as in each individual category.

This means it maintains the same grade it was given at its last full inspection in 2010.

Headteacher Christina Singh said: “Over the 13-and-a-half years since our last Ofsted inspection, we have continuously and relentlessly worked to strive for excellence; therefore, we are delighted that Ofsted has recognised this.

“We have maintained our 'outstanding' status in our recent inspection, where we were graded as 'outstanding' in all areas of the inspection framework.

“This achievement would not be possible without our dedicated staff, children, and a wonderfully supportive parent community.”

Describing the Nascot Wood Road school, the inspectors said: “Nascot Wood Junior School is a thriving place to learn. Pupils are enthusiastic about their learning and achieve highly.”

Watford Observer: Nascot Wood Junior School.Nascot Wood Junior School. (Image: Google Street View)They added that the children “learn a well-balanced curriculum” and “are exceptionally confident in articulating what they have learned and how this connects to what they already know”.

Reading was identified as a priority at the school, with pupils having a “love of reading” and staff being quick to identify pupils who need extra support to become confident readers.

Inspectors found that the school’s safeguarding arrangements are effective and that pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) “make excellent progress”.

Its pupils can be proud as their behaviour was picked out as “exemplary”, being diligent in lessons and listening attentively to instructions.

Full report available to read here

“Pupils know that making good choices and trying their best will prepare them well for the next stage of learning,” the report said.

Staff were also praised, as teachers ask skilful questions and have clearly and precisely set out plans for lessons.

The junior school is for children aged seven to 11 and has 240 pupils on the school roll.

Nascot Wood Junior School is the second Watford primary school to be graded ‘outstanding’ this school year, with Holy Rood Catholic Primary School in Greenbank Road receiving the grade on October 16.