A primary school which says it serves “two of the poorest wards” in Salford has been rated outstanding by Ofsted in its recent inspection. Inspectors visited St Thomas of Canterbury RC Primary School, on Hadfield Street in Higher Broughton, on December 6 and 7, giving the school top marks for its overall performance. It was judged that pupils “achieve exceptionally well” at the school and thrive in the “happy atmosphere” created by the leadership team and teachers. The school was given an ‘outstanding’ rating in all areas inspected, apart from early years provision which was considered to be ‘good’. Councillor Jim King, chair of governors, said: “The school’s not in the leafy Cheshire countryside and faces many challenges but that hasn’t put a limit on what can be achieved. “We’ve got ex-pupils who are lawyers, accountants, IT professions and medics. We know that because they come back to talk to our existing pupils to inspire the next generation.” Headteacher David Deane, who was awarded an OBE for services to education in 2017, said he was proud for all the hardworking staff and families who are part of the school’s community. Mr Deane said: “The best thing is that Ofsted could have turned up any day, any time unannounced and they would have seen exactly the same excellent quality of education being delivered. “It’s not about putting a show on for Ofsted, it’s about doing right by the kids every day. That means giving them the best possible start to their education.” The report stated that the school is “extremely ambitious” for the pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Pupils take part in events supporting local and national charities, Ofsted said, as well as trying to make the community a “better place to be”. The education watchdog noted that a small number of SEND pupils occasionally “miss out on interacting with their peers”, which ” hinders the depth of their learning and development” – an area the school can look to improve for the next inspection. St Thomas of Canterbury was previously inspected in 2010 and also received an ‘outstanding’ rating.