The new headteacher of a South Hams primary has been praised by education inspectors for creating a climate of learning across the whole school and driving up academic standards.

Rachel Perkins took over as the new head of Charleton Primary School in January following a critical report by the school standards agency Ofsted.

Now, six months after her appointment, the school has been visited again by two senior Ofsted inspectors to assess what improvements have been made.

In a letter to Mrs Perkins, lead inspector Mary Massey concludes:"The school is making good progress in addressing the issues for improvement and raising pupils' achievement.

Rachel Perkins, headteacher: "This is a truly wonderful school, where children succeed academically and grow both emotionally and creatively, but most importantly love every second of their education."

"Your strong leadership and clear sense of direction have ensured the staff are now united as a team and are enthusiastically working towards improvement.

"You have successfully established a climate for learning for both adults and pupils. The school is calm, behaviour is good and there is an optimistic sense of purpose amongst the whole school community.

"Standards are now rising. In the last year there has been accelerated progress for a number of pupils who were previously falling well behind whilst those pupils who were previously making expected progress are still doing so."

Mrs Massey says the quality of teaching and learning has improved and pupils are enjoying their work more.

Devon County Council has provided extensive and very effective support for the school and that has also had a positive impact on progress, says Mrs Massey.

Mrs Perkins said: "We are absolutely delighted by Mrs Massey's report.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank the staff and children here at Charleton for all their hard work and enthusiasm.

"This is a truly wonderful school, where children succeed academically and grow both emotionally and creatively, but most importantly love every second of their education."