A Bristol primary school believes positive comments in an Ofsted report can help it fight against closure.

Inspectors who visited St George's Church of England Primary School, in Brandon Hill, last month said it was a caring and inclusive school with a harmonious atmosphere, and praised the 107 children for their positive attitudes and good behaviour.

The school is one of three Bristol primaries threatened with closure.

"Pupils are proud of their school. They particularly value their fellow pupils who bring experience of other cultures," the report said.

"The pupils are well known to staff and the school provides a safe, secure and welcoming environment in which to learn."

Head teacher Clare Gundry was said to take a strong lead in ensuring that children felt safe and putting initiatives in place to continue improvement.

The inspectors said standards were average and achievement satisfactory.

But they noted that a dip in Sats exam results last year was affected by moving out of the school.

Ms Gundry was frustrated that the loss of three high-achieving Year 6 pupils to an independent school led to the lower results, which contributed to the school only being rated satisfactory, but was pleased with Ofsted's comments.

"We believe there are many good elements to our curriculum, our teaching and learning and our leadership and management which have been undermined by this emphasis on the raw figures," she said.

The council still has doubts over the school's future. Cabinet councillor for children, Peter Hammond, said St George's and the other two threatened schools, St Pius X Catholic school in Withywood and Stockwood Green school, all have satisfactory Ofsted grades – one away from inadequate.

But the schools replied by saying satisfactory is also one away from the second highest rating of good.

They also point out that they are all rated "category two" by Bristol City Council – meaning they are running smoothly and not giving cause for concern or prompting need for additional support.