HEADTEACHER Rebecca Lihou has thanked the community of Lydeard St Lawrence for their support of the village school after education inspectors gave it a ‘good’ rating.

The 36-pupil school was previously rated ‘inadequate’ by Ofsted and converted to an academy in 2021, becoming part of the Bath and Wells Diocesan Academies Trust (BWMAT).

Now, it has been praised by Ofsted inspectors who visited in June and rated ‘good’ in all four reportable areas of quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management.

The inspectors pointed to ‘strong relationships between pupils and staff’ in a school which sat ‘at the heart of the local community’.

Ms Lihou said: “We were so excited to welcome Ofsted into our school to celebrate the work achieved by our entire community.

“Our school is excellent.

“We thank the Ofsted team for their thorough and thoughtful inspection, giving us the opportunity to reflect on and celebrate the difference we make in children’s lives every day.

“We are a small school, but our ambition is huge.

“Thank you to our community, our children, families, staff, and BWMAT family for your ongoing commitment and drive to ensure every child has an excellent educational experience.

“At Lydeard St Lawrence, we ensure all children have a voice, one that it is strong and heard.

“They shape not only the present but they help build a legacy for all.

“Ensuring they leave their shirt in a better place for the next generation of Lydeard St Lawrence children.

“A recognised strength throughout the inspection.

“It is our mission every child leaves a footprint and takes memories that will last them a lifetime, helping them develop the characteristics, skills, and knowledge they need to be great human beings.

“I look forward to continuing our great work with you all.

“A huge achievement, thank you for your part.”