An Enfield primary school has received the highest praise possible in an official government inspection.

Highfield School in Winchmore Hill was ranked as “outstanding” by Ofsted, an upgrade from its ranking of “good”, received in its previous inspection in 2011.

The school’s leadership and management, the quality of teaching, and pupils’ behaviour and welfare were among the strengths particularly praised.

Inspectors said: “The impact of the head teacher’s vision, drive and exceptional leadership has ensured the school has gone from strength to strength.

“From the mini-farm to the rich, vibrant and thought-provoking displays of work throughout the school, pupils are encouraged to be curious about the world.

“Pupils in the early years settle promptly. They make significant progress from very low starting points and by the time they leave the school at the end of Year 6 their progress, which has accelerated year on year, leads to their attainment becoming well above average in English and mathematics.

“The vast majority of parents cannot praise the school highly enough for its work.

“Pupils’ behaviour is impeccable. They look after each other, are inquisitive about learning and have a deep understanding of fairness and tolerance towards people who have different backgrounds and beliefs.”

Headteacher Maria Kemal said: “We are all thrilled with this Ofsted report and mean to carry on with our plans to maintain a happy school where children thrive and grow and where teachers see the results in children making such good progress.

“My thanks go to our governors, support staff, parents and teachers and to the wonderful children who make it a pleasure to teach – it is a massive all-round team effort.”

Enfield Council’s cabinet member for education, Cllr Ayfer Orhan, added: “Highfield School clearly creates a great learning environment and encourages and nurtures all of its pupils to achieve the best they can.

“Everyone at Highfield should take enormous pride in their work to improve standards. The headteacher, teaching staff, pupils, governors and parents all deserve enormous credit for their hard work, which has paid off superbly.”