The very rapid improvements at an Exeter primary school have been highlighted by education inspectors who predict it will be even more successful in the future.

They say pupils at Alphington Primary enjoy coming to school and are active and enthusiastic in lessons because of good and outstanding teachers who make learning varied, interesting and exciting.

Alphington saw its results for the SATs tests, which pupils sit at 11-years-old, soar in 2007 compared to 2006.

And the Devon County Council school celebrated a hat trick of achievements last term after being awarded healthy school status and opening a new computer suite.

The inspectors from the school standards agency, Ofsted, concluded: "Parents are very pleased with the improvements and recognise the excellent work of the headteacher in invigorating the quality of education provided for their children."

Pupils themselves told the inspectors: 'We have lots of fun in lessons' and 'staff always try to make our work interesting'.

The two inspectors spent two days in the school last month and their report has just been published.

Debbie Buckingham, headteacher: "We are all delighted with the report and the recognition of the progress we have made and the school's continuing quest for excellence."

Lead inspector Laurie Lewin says: "This is a good school that has improved very rapidly over the last year.

"The headteacher has been very successful in establishing a strong leadership team.

"Their effective work in driving forward improvement initiatives, alongside the good energy and strong commitment of all staff, means there is plenty of capacity for the school to become even more successful in the future."

Mr Lewin rates every aspect of school life at Alphington as good or better.

He says pupils start school with standards that are slightly lower than expected nationally. But, by the time they leave at 11, the school has 'added value' to their education and they are attaining above average results.

"The good relationships between staff and pupils ensure all individuals become confident learners. In this respect, teaching assistants play a crucial role in backing up the teachers and supporting pupils very effectively," he says.

New life has been injected into the curriculum and this is enriched by lots of interesting extra-curricular activities and clubs.

Pupils behave well, are polite and friendly and look forward to all the activities in which they are involved. The strong pastoral care provided by all the staff ensures that their personal development is good.

Mr Lewin says the school has worked hard on improving the way it records and tracks pupils' progress.

It should continue to enhance pupil assessment and ensure individuals know how to improve their work and also raise achievement in writing.

Headteacher Debbie Buckingham, who joined the school a year ago, said: "We are all delighted with the report and the recognition of the progress we have made and the school's continuing quest for excellence.

"This came about because of the utmost dedication and support of the whole school community including the children, staff, parents and governors.

"We will be focusing on the children's development of their key skills in handwriting and spelling as a whole school issue and building on the impact we have already made in their speaking and listening.

"And next term there will be a clear focus on ensuring every pupil knows exactly how well they are doing and what they can do to improve their work before we move forward again."