Though each day the staff and pupils enthusiastically but quietly continue about their daily routines, this small parish school has gained recognition throughout the county and further afield for being a centre of excellence.

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Last year St Peter's was formally recognised as an outstanding school by Ofsted and was one of the few schools in the country to receive the DfES Outstanding Award, with headteacher Richard Sanderson attending a conference hosted by the Chief Inspector of Schools.

Mr Sanderson said: "As a school we continue to move on and on.

"We would never say we were achieving the highest standards and then sit back. We are constantly looking at ways to improve."

Not only did inspectors rate the school at this top level, they also noted the pupils were well cared for, extremely happy and confident and motivated towards their learning.

In just a short time in the school this is particularly evident.

Mr Sanderson continued: "We achieve this by using a positive approach.

"We try not to focus on what pupils may struggle with but instead focus on what they achieve.

"We encourage them to take on responsibility within the classroom and achieve independence in their learning."

The encouragement to gain high results is reflected in the school's impressive sporting achievements.

Last year St Peter's won the district schools football, rounders and gymnastics tournaments and have achieved great rankings in other sporting tournaments.

Mr Sanderson said: "One of the reason we are involved in so much sport is that we want every child to take part in something.

"Generally every child that leaves us will have had the opportunity to represent the school."

Creative arts and music are other subjects that seems to flourish at the school.

Every pupil in Year 4 will learn an instrument, with around two thirds of juniors taking further music lessons.

The school has a strong Christian ethos and is the parish school for Heysham's St Peter's Church.

The pupils have regular visits from Rector of St Peter's, the Rev David Tickner, who also leads the popular family services.

An annual carol service gives the pupils the chance to shine as the children take the lead in organising singing and Bible readings.

They also promote their Christian message in a practical way through the school community, giving generously to a variety of charities.

More than £2,000 was raised last year alone.

A quiet village school it may appear, but St Peter's, Heysham is certainly a hub of activity.