STAFF and pupils are celebrating after overturning a report which placed their church primary school in 'special measures'.

Ysgol yr Esgob in Caerwys has been awarded 'excellent' or 'good' in all five judgement categories in its 2018 Estyn inspection, making it one of the best in Wales.

Roland Ward, the chair of governors at the school, said: "The parents of Caerwys saw the school improve rapidly on the appointment of our inspirational new headteacher in 2012, and they have stuck by it ever since.

"The verdict of 'special measures' can be the death of a small school.

"We've had to live with that assessment appearing on property websites and search engines for seven years.

"It was out of date in 2013. The parents of Caerwys saw the school improve rapidly on the appointment of our inspirational new head teacher in 2012 and stuck with the school.

"The 2018 gradings make our school one of the best in Wales, and the town is celebrating recognition at last.

"There are banners congratulating the school at all the entrances to the town, on fences, and even on the church tower.

"Every shop and many houses are displaying congratulations posters. It's a real community celebration."

Under Estyn’s new framework, the inspectors give five judgements, not just one.

For Ysgol yr Esgob the results were: standards (good), pupil care, support and guidance (excellent), teaching (good), leadership and management (excellent), pupil wellbeing and attitudes to learning (excellent).

Sue Clisham, head teacher at Ysgol yr Esgob said: “The response from Caerwys residents has been amazing.

"The report says that the school is a ’vibrant learning community’.

"It’s been a real community effort over the last six years, and I am grateful to all the staff, parents, pupils, governors and the residents of Caerwys for all their support- through thick and thin."

Parents of children at Ysgol yr Esgob are celebrating too.

One parent, Katie Pierce, said: "My whole family are so very pleased and proud for all at Ysgol yr Esgob on the excellent results.

"We extend our biggest congratulations to all those that have worked so hard to bring it up to such a high standard, and we feel very lucky indeed to have it right on our doorstep."