WILLIAM Ford School has been rated as so outstanding by Ofsted that it is to be used as a benchmark for other primaries across the country. The Church of England school in Ford Road, Dagenham, was named as one of 20 schools excelling against the odds in t

WILLIAM Ford School has been rated as so outstanding by Ofsted that it is to be used as a benchmark for other primaries across the country.

The Church of England school in Ford Road, Dagenham, was named as one of 20 schools excelling against the odds in the Government watchdog's report.

Head teacher Mandy Short was delighted by the news and was even interviewed for national television on Friday.

"We are really thrilled that the achievements of our pupils and teachers have been recognised in this way," she said.

"William Ford provides loads of extra-curricular activities for the kids. It's about making school a place they really want to be."

The low turnover of staff was another reason cited by Ofsted for the school's outstanding status.

"They appoint and develop staff who can consistently achieve high results," the watchdog report said.

"The school does not use general supply teachers, but well qualified local experienced teachers to retain continuity."

Ofsted also praised William Ford for developing children who started school life as below average pupils but went on to achieve "exceptionally high standards".

The report, published last week, will be used to help failing schools by showing them techniques they can use to improve their teaching skills.