FLUTE players, budding scientists and strong swimmers were among the consistently high achievers of a small rural primary school, according to two separate inspections.

The Office for Standards in Education team and the Church's denominational inspectors both gave Arkholme CE Primary School high grades across the board.

Lesley Gough, head teacher of the 72-pupil school near Carnforth, said: "We were delighted with the reports.

"We always work well as a team, be it the teaching, or non-teaching staff, parents, or governors, and I think that came through strongly in the reports," she said. "It's obviously stressful but we were absolutely delighted with the outcome."

The Ofsted report found:

- High standards in English, maths, science, history, music and swimming.

- A high standard of information and communication technology.

- Children made a very good start in the reception class.

- Very good teaching that led to very good work attitudes and learning.

- A rich provision of extra activities.

- Very good provision for the pupils' personal development.

- Highly effective leadership.

- Very good links with the community and excellent partnerships with parents.

- Inadequate facilities for sport.

The inspectors noted science teaching in the upper junior years was firmly rooted in an experimental and investigative approach, and mentioned the national science challenge the school won.

There was no bullying, the inspectors said, the children were confident speakers who expressed their ideas well and, of the 24 lessons observed, none were unsatisfactory.

On the inadequate sports facilities, the report said: "The playing field is very small and restricts games activities. However, the school makes the best possible use of what it has."

The denominational report for the Blackburn Diocese and the North Lancashire Methodist District came to very similar conclusions.

It noted a "calm and structured approach to collective worship" and a strong, united bond of commitment to the school and to each other from the staff.

The inspectors recommended more Christian books and more computers.