An inner-city primary school where almost all pupils are from minority ethnic backgrounds has won praise from the learning watchdog Ofsted.

May Park Primary in Eastville was said to be improving rapidly.

The inspectors were particularly impressed with the school's care and support for its children, many of whom come from homes experiencing overcrowding and economic hardship.

They said efforts to keep track of pupils when families moved home suddenly were exemplary.

The transient nature of the pupil population was noted. The school in Coombe Road has 432 on roll but in the course of the last year 70 children left and 82 arrived.

Lead inspector Mo Roberts said in her report on the September inspection: "Girls and boys from all ethnic backgrounds achieve satisfactorily but it is noticeable that those who are in the school for the whole of their primary education do better than those who join at non-standard times." The Ofsted team said the school was well led by head teacher Jan O'Hara.

Staff shared "a common passion and ambition" while pupils spoke of the school with "pride and enthusiasm" and were well behaved.

"The promotion of respect for all is a key feature of the school and it is very successful in promoting a cohesive multicultural community," the report said.

To improve further, the inspectors said, the school should use data better to ensure activities were at the right level for all children, especially the brightest; check children know their targets and how they are going to achieve them; and make marking easier to understand.

May Park was the first primary school in Bristol to be inspected under Ofsted's new, tougher framework and Mrs O'Hara said she was pleased with the findings, which backed up the school's own view of its strengths and weaknesses.

"There are 30 different languages spoken at the school and coming to May Park is as exciting as travelling half way round the world each day," she added.