Harris Primary Academy Coleraine Park was praised for its dedication to pupils and staff by the education watchdog.
The school got the top ‘outstanding’ rating at its last inspection in 2014.
Ofsted no longer issues single-word ratings for schools, but this time graded the school ‘outstanding’ for its quality of education, behaviour and attitudes of pupils, personal development, leadership and management and early years provision.
The report, published on March 4 after an inspection on January 21 and 22, highlighted the school’s “exceptionally ambitious culture” and “highly nurturing and inclusive community”.
Inspectors noted that this environment allows all pupils to thrive and puts their learning at the heart of everything the school does.
The staff at the academy were commended for fostering a “calm and purposeful atmosphere”.
According to the report, this has led to pupils feeling “safe and supported” at school.
The pupils’ exemplary behaviour and attitudes towards learning were also a key focus of the report.
Their “kindness, responsibility and consideration” were observed during the inspection.
Their “highly focused attitude towards learning” and enthusiasm for all aspects of learning, especially reading, also made a positive impression.
The school’s curriculum was identified as a key factor in the pupils’ success.
The report noted that the school puts “great thought into making learning relevant and inspiring” and “instils high aspirations in pupils”.
This allows all pupils to achieve highly and be “exceptionally well prepared” for the next stages of their education.
Beyond the curriculum, the school was praised for the way it develops pupils’ cultural capital especially carefully through an array of enriching experiences.
The inspectors also noted that the school provides “exceptional opportunities for pupils’ personal development”, particularly through offering wide-ranging leadership roles to promote responsibility.
Acting head of academy, Georgina Reynolds, said: “I am so proud of our wonderful pupils and our fantastic team of staff whose hard work and dedication has translated into this exceptional report.
“I was particularly pleased to see that the inspectors observed the kindness and care which our pupils demonstrate both inside and outside of lessons, and the positive attitudes with which they approach their learning, particularly reading which is a core focus at our academy.
“Thank you to all our pupils, staff, parents and carers whose support allows us to provide our pupils with such a rewarding, enjoyable and nurturing school experience.”
