A VILLAGE school near Chard is celebrating after being ranked ‘excellent’ in a recent inspection.

Combe St Nicholas Primary School recently underwent a church school inspection by SIAMS - the statutory inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools.

The inspector, Jane Garrett, said: “The school’s deeply embedded vision led by inspired, passionate, ambitious and committed leadership has created a vibrant, deeply Christian learning community in which both adults and pupils flourish.

Church schools receive separate inspections in addition to Ofsted.

The inspector is appointed by the diocese, and looks deeply into seven areas of the school’s teaching, ethos, collective worship and interaction with the wider community.

Mrs Garrett added: “Pupils’ character development is exceptional and that the rich, engaging and innovative curriculum prepares pupils very well for their future lives.”

Christine Maxwell is the headteacher of Combe St Nicholas School.

She said: “We are delighted that the hard work and dedication of all of our staff has been recognised.

“We are very proud of all our pupils and so pleased that their gifts and talents shone through to the inspector on her visit to us.”

For more information about the SIAMS inspection process, visit churchofengland.org.