AN “inclusive” school where pupils “achieve exceptionally well” has been praised in its first watchdog report for more than a decade.

Lyons Hall Primary School in Braintree has been rated good by Ofsted in its latest report.

The school was last inspected 13 years ago under a previous inspection framework.

In the latest inspection, it was rated good for behaviour and attitudes as well as leadership and management.

And the school received outstanding ratings for the quality of education, personal development and early years provision.

The report said: “Pupils at Lyons Hall Primary School achieve exceptionally well and are proud of their school.

“They can confidently talk about what they know and use this knowledge across all areas of the curriculum.

“Pupils play well together. Older pupils are ‘Lyon Leaders’ and are on hand to support younger children. Pupils relish the opportunities they have to ‘make someone’s day’, for example handing out their ‘FISH’ in the celebration assembly.”

The report also praised the school’s inclusivity.

It said: “Opportunities are plentiful for pupils to share what they think. This has enabled them to make changes to school life.

“They decide which charities to support and organise a range of events, for example ‘Lyons Got Talent’.

“There are many clubs that pupils can attend. These are inclusive.

“Changes are made to ensure all pupils, including those with special educational needs or disabilities, can access these.”

Inspectors Sharon Waldron, John Crane Ofsted and Susan Sutton also applauded the school’s leaders.

They said: “Leaders have designed an ambitious curriculum.

“It enables pupils to build their knowledge and skills extremely well over time, from early years to Year 6.

“Pupils are able to apply what they have learned from other areas of the curriculum to new learning. This means that pupils learn exceptionally well over time and are well prepared for their next stage.”