A south Devon school where children thrive has been warmly commended by education inspectors.

They said pupils at Kingswear Primary were excited by their learning and took great pleasure in school life.

Every aspect of life at the school is either good or outstanding, according to the report from the school standards agency Ofsted.

"It provides a well-rounded education where pupils thrive both academically and personally and where they achieve well," say the inspectors.

"Parents are very pleased with the way their children develop."

Academically the school adds considerable value to its pupils' education.

They start school with average standards but leave at 11 years old with much higher attainment.

"Teaching and learning is good. By Year 6 pupils reach standards that are well above average in English, very high in maths and above average in science," says the report.

The curriculum is broad and exciting and the school makes inspiring links between subjects.

"Pupils' personal development, well-being and spiritual, moral, social and cultural development are outstanding," say the inspectors.

"Pupils behaviour and relationships are excellent. (They) are eager to come to school, feel safe, understand how to keep healthy and make an excellent contribution to the community."

Headteacher Mark Oakshott has given the school a clear sense of direction and purpose since his appointment three years ago, says the report.

The popular primary already has a waiting list for places in the Foundation class.

The inspectors said: "His vision and drive for improving the school have accelerated the rate of progress since the last inspection and it has a good capacity to continue to improve."

They agreed with one parent who told them: "The school has a great family atmosphere and I am very pleased with my children's academic progress."

To continue to improve, the school should raise standards in writing and provide more challenge for high achieving pupils in the mixed age classes.

Mr Oakshott said: "We are already working on improving writing as part of a national scheme aimed specifically at raising literacy standards.

"Overall this report reflects the quality of our school. We know that Kingswear Primary is a good school and it's nice that we have got the recognition that our children, staff, governors and community richly deserve."