A school is celebrating after it was given an outstanding report by inspectors.

Powers Hall Junior School, in Spa Road, Witham, received the news from inspectors Ofsted last week.

Headteacher Jane Bass said: “We are all absolutely over the moon. We were rated outstanding last time but it is a more rigorous inspection now so we are delighted.

“I took over the school solo two years ago and since then we have been looking at making continual improvement.

“Really this has been a whole school effort. I have a very effective team led by myself and my deputy Kirsty Brown who have worked tirelessly.

“I have found the support of the local authority nothing short of magnificent.”

The school recently took part in the Get Witham Reading scheme to encourage literacy across the wider community.

The initiative, led by Witham MP Priti Patel, won praise from the inspectors for being “innovative”.

The inspectors also praised the enthusiasm of pupils as they awarded the school an outstanding rating in all four categories.

Mrs Bass said: “This is a huge boost for the staff and the starting point for continuing to improve. We will not just rest on our laurels.”