Anglican inspectors give Bishop's Stortford's St Michael's primary top marks

Church schools inspectors have rated St Michael's C of E (Voluntary Aided) Primary School in Bishop's Stortford as excellent.

Staff and pupils at the Apton Road primary were given the top rating by a team from SIAMS (Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools).

The scrutiny team concluded: "Life in all its fullness is genuinely lived out in the daily life of St Michael's and provides the foundation for all that the school does."

The inspection considered the school's vision and leadership, character development and community, as well as the impact of collective worship and effectiveness of religious teaching.

The curriculum was found to be "vibrant and creative" and children enjoy going to the school because "learning is fun, engaging and rich in variety".

Rachel Griffiths, deputy head and leader for religious education, explained that teachers use a wide variety of innovative approaches, including a recent whole prayer trail exploring the key concept across all religions.

Head Lisa Dale said that the inspection regime was rigorous and she was "extremely proud that the school had been recognised as performing at the highest level" with everyone working to ensure "children at the school have a fun, enjoyable and enriching time and are fully prepared for their next stage of education".