Swaffham Junior School is a 'happy, friendly and purposeful place of learning', according to Ofsted inspectors.

The Brandon Road school, which has 162 pupils, was found to have made significant progress and has been rated good overall following its latest inspection last month.

'The good quality care, guidance and support provided by pupils and their families are strengths,' the report said. 'Behaviour is good throughout the school and sometimes it is exemplary. Adults are very good role models in the way that they show great respect to all pupils.

'Pupils' personal development, including their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is a strength. Pupils are confident, friendly and polite.'

The report praised Tracey McCarthy for providing very effective leadership which has brought about 'significant improvement in outcomes for all pupils, including better progress and higher attainment'.

Pupils were found to play an 'outstanding and active' role in the wider community through organisations including the school council, helping them to develop strong social and moral awareness.

Teaching was found to be good and sometimes outstanding overall, but the report states that progress is uneven because 'teachers' expectations are not consistently high'.

To improve further, inspectors recommend teachers ensure their expectations are consistently high and take into account what pupils can already do.They also suggest that pupils are given more opportunity to practice applying their maths skills in more practical ways.