DELIGHTED and proud pupils and staff of Morchard Bishop Church of England Primary School have received a framed certificate for gaining outstanding status in the Church School Inspection (SIAMS) inspection.

The certificate was presented at a school assembly by the Archdeacon of Exeter, the Ven Christopher Futcher, accompanied by the Vicar of Morchard Bishop, Rev Lindsey Starrs, to the headteacher, Christopher Sargeant.

Mr Sargeant said: “The award reflected the hard work and dedication of the whole school team, the support given by the Governing Board and strength of the local community.

"It is fantastic that this has been recognised by the inspection, but it has also given us the challenge to continue to improve and develop key themes over the next few years”.

Mrs Starrs added that it was a joy to work with the children and encourage their worship, adding that the building opposite the school was their church and was a place they should feel comfortable.

She added that the school Governors should also be commended because they had worked incredibly hard, were very committed working with the school and children.

"Without their work we would not have achieved ’Outstanding!”

Making the presentation Mr Futcher spoke about the word Outstanding with the children, thinking of similar words and their meanings.

SIAMS is the Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools, the certificate being signed by the Archdeacon of Exeter, the Rev Douglas Dettmer Archdeacon of Totnes and chairman of the Diocesan Board of Education and the Director of Education.