AVELEY Primary School received its best Ofsted report in more than 12 years...days after celebrating its 100th anniversary.

The school, in Stifford Road, was rated “good” by the Government watchdog.

Inspectors said some teaching at the school was “outstanding” and praised improving standards in reading, writing and maths.

They also had praised for the leadership of headteacher Nicola Shadbolt,which they said had had a significant impact on standards.

In its previous four visits, the school had been rated “satisfactory”

or “requiring improvement”.

The latest report was made public as the school was still celebrating its 100th anniversary.

On Friday, pupils and teachers put on Edwardian dress as classes were transported back to 1914, with themed lessons, a celebration lunch and games from the early part of the 20th century.

A red double-decker bus was brought to the school at Easter and has been filled with several hundred books, to serve an alternative to the school’s old library area.

It was opened by bestselling author Martina Cole, who grew up in South Ockendon and attended Holy Cross school, as part of the celebrations.

She said: “When I was a kid, I spent half my life in Aveley library. Reading is so important for children and this bus is just fantastic.

“I’ve got a lot of friends here and so I’m always popping back.Iwas delighted to formally open the bus.”

Miss Shadbolt said: “The bus is something different. To raise achievement we knew we needed to start with reading and we knew that would lead to improved writing.

“It has been a fantastic day.”

She added: “The good Ofsted rating is our first and we’re very proud, it’s great news for us.”