A South Hams primary has won the highest possible praise from education inspectors after being judged outstanding in every area of school life.

The judgement places Stoke Fleming Primary in the top one per cent of schools in Devon.

The inspectors say the teaching and curriculum is excellent and pupils' achievement is outstanding.

The report, from the school standards agency Ofsted, concludes: "This is an excellent school in which pupils' achievements are outstanding."

Delighted headteacher Michael Rolls said: "It is a fantastic recognition of the whole school community's dedication and hard work."

The report says children start the school with skills and abilities in line with national expectations but, by the time they leave at the end of Year 6, they are attaining exceptionally high standards in English, mathematics and science.

This summer more than three quarters of pupils in Year 6 achieved higher grades in English compared to one third nationally.

Paul Sadler, lead inspector: "The very high quality of education the school provides has come about through excellent leadership and management."

Lead inspector Paul Sadler, who visited the school earlier this month, rated five separate areas of school life - overall effectiveness, achievement and standards, personal development and well-being, the quality of provision and leadership and management.

All are judged outstanding which is the highest of the four categories that Ofsted uses to rate school performance.

Stoke Fleming was the first school in south Devon to have one of Ofsted's new 'reduced tariff' inspections where the inspector confirms an assessment based on statistical evidence that the school is already performing well.

Mr Sadler said: "The very high quality of education the school provides has come about through excellent leadership and management.

"There is a clear vision for the school and challenging targets are set and achieved.

"Pupils are cared for very well. (They) greatly enjoy the range of activities the school offers and the opportunities to share their learning with younger or older pupils. As a result, they work and play very well together and their behaviour is excellent."

Mr Sadler says pupils have an excellent understanding of how to keep healthy and enjoy exercise. They make an outstanding contribution to the community, make good use of the school's excellent outdoor environment and particularly enjoy sport and educational visits, he added.

The school's Foundation Stage is judged to be outstanding and the report says it makes excellent provision for the youngest children.

To improve further, the school should improve the all-weather facilities in the Foundation Stage, the report said.

Mr Rolls said: "Our children, who have developed a clear enjoyment of learning, are well supported by a whole team of staff and governors. Parental support, particularly from the Friends of the School, is second to none and the whole community repeatedly demonstrate this.

"The school has a strong, clear vision for learning to which our enthusiastic, innovative and hard working team are all dedicated.

"All staff have ensured, and Ofsted have recognised, the breadth of learning experiences on offer at Stoke Fleming - particularly our use of the environment and local area as a stimulus that provides creative learning opportunities for the children which are both exciting and motivating.

"It was no surprise to read that Ofsted identified the care, guidance and support we provide to all children, from the time they enter the Foundation Stage to when they leave us at the end of Year 6, as a strength as this is central to our ethos.

"The recognition and reward has inspired us as we look forward with enthusiasm to meeting future challenges. Our aim is to work together, continually striving to provide our children with a unique experience that empowers them on their learning journey."