A village primary school with just 40 pupils has been judged one of the leading church schools in the country.

Cracoe and Rylstone CofE school, which was last year judged ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted, has now received an equally glowing report from inspectors of church schools.

Headteacher Andrea Walker said the school was “absolutely thrilled” and put the success down to the hard work and support of the children and the whole school community.

The National Society Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools (SIAMS) report said the school was outstanding in all areas.

The effectiveness of the school was judged through analysis of pupils’ achievement and progress and the quality of teaching and learning. The inspector also looked at the behaviour, safety and attendance of pupils and the quality and leadership of the school.

And to judge its distinctiveness as a church school, the inspector studied the impact of its Christian character and values, the quality of religious education and collective worship and spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.

The school’s work with local vicar the Rev David Macha was also assessed, as was its involvement with the wider community.

Mrs Walker said the report placed the school among the very best church schools in the country.

“I would like to thank and congratulate our whole school team for their achievements, from talented staff and dedicated governors – including our vicar, Rev David Macha – to supportive parents and the wider community, and most importantly, our wonderful pupils, who really impressed both us and our inspectors with their ability, confidence and evident pride in their school, as well as being great ambassadors of our Christian values.”

Anyone who would like to visit the school can email admin@cracoerylstone.n-yorks.sch.uk or visit the website at cracoeprimaryschool.co.uk.