A NEWPORT school is celebrating after getting top marks from official inspectors who described it as "outstanding".

St Julian's School received lavish praise from the Estyn team led by Julia Helen Cantle Longville.

Her exceptionally positive report said all in the school were valued for the work they did to promote excellence.

"Through inspirational leadership an ethos of respect, care and equality permeates the school."

The report also highlighted the care, support and inclusive education for all learners regardless of their ability.

St Julian's received the highest possible grade in all seven areas.

Pupils' behaviour was also described as outstanding and teaching underpinned by a high degree of mutual respect between pupils, teachers and support staff.

Ms Longville's report said head teacher Steve Marshall had a clear vision for the future of the school while the leadership team and dedicated governing body provided him with very effective support.

Mr Marshall said staff and pupils were absolutely delighted with the inspection report which is expected to go out to parents later this week.

"I think it is an outstanding achievement for a city comprehensive school," he added.

He said it reflected well not just on the school but on the whole of the community.

"The support we have had from parents and the community have contributed to make this an outstanding school. It is the effort of an awful lot of people over a lot of years.

"It is not just something that happened overnight but the result of hard work and determination to do the best possible for the learners who we are privileged to teach."

The inspection team's recommendations included continuing to improve standards and working with the council to improve the accommodation, especially in physical education and science.

Seven top grades mark out best schools

In Estyn's last published annual report for 2007/08, it revealed that of 34 secondary schools inspected only three received seven top grades.

St Joseph's RC School in Newport achieved seven grade ones in 2007 and Caerleon had similar success in 2005.

A large number of primary schools and nurseries in the city have also notched up all grade ones.