A COTSWOLDS school has put its troubled past firmly behind it with an impressive verdict from school watchdog, OFSTED.

Bibury CofE School was in need of drastic improvement a few years ago according to inspectors but now boasts some outstanding' marks in its health and safety practices.

The school was rated as good' in other areas such as teaching and learning, support, management and personal development.

Headteacher Trudie Lines said: "We are absolutely thrilled with the report and especially pleased that we were told we had an excellent chance of becoming an outstanding' school.

"We have improved and left the past behind us."

The school of only 28 pupils prides itself on its community spirit and keeping fit and healthy.

Mrs Lines said: "We don't have our own school field but we make up for that by using the the facilities at the five star Bibury Court Hotel.

"We go out of our way to make sure that they get a range of sport activities."

Bibury is an eco-school that grows its own vegetables and saves water where it can.

The children have also formed the little rotter's club' to recycle fruit and vegetables.

The only criticism was the lack of individual targets to specify the National Curriculum levels each pupil should be attaining.

The report said: "Therefore there is no goal to aim for to ensure that every pupil is moved along as fast as possible to reach their full potential."

The overall verdict from OFSTED was: "The school holds a special place in the village and is held in high regard by parents.

"The key to much of its success lies in its strength as a small family group where staff and pupils know each other well."