Ofsted inspectors have rated the pluralist Clore Shalom Jewish Primary in Shenley as "a good school where pupils enjoy learning".

They also concluded that "all pupils achieve well and reach significantly above average levels of attainment consistently".

Governors' chair Irene Blaston attributed much of the credit to Irene Kay, who is to retire at the end of the summer term after heading the 240-pupil school since its establishment in 1999. "She and her team have put in much hard work to achieve this great result," Mrs Blaston said.

"It is also gratifying to see our ethos of high standards in behaviour, spiritual and moral development all graded as 'outstanding'."