Chris Woodhead said on a visit to Broadclyst primary in Honiton that it had "very high" standards, particularly in science and maths.

Chris Woodhead: Buildings "far from perfect"

Broadclyst is notable because although some of its buildings are in a parlous state it is one of the most technologically advanced schools in the country.

"The school is making remarkable use of computers across the curriculum, in all subjects," Mr Woodhead said.

"These achievements have been won in accommodation that is far from perfect and I do very much hope that these buildings can be improved, something can be done, in the near future."

Pupil's video exposed problem areas

Earlier this year a seven-year-old pupil at Broadclyst, Ross Saunders, made a video of the crumbling concrete and damp walls in its old, "temporary" classrooms and sent it to education ministers.

The local education authority, Devon, is bidding for �23m from the government's New Deal for Schools programme for school repairs and improvements - with the priority being the replacement of prefabricated concrete classrooms such as those at Broadclyst.

A spokesman said Broadclyst was number 12 in priority.

"The 48 schemes in this bid are all very high priorities for us, so having to assemble them into a batting order at the DfEE's request is a bit like trying to choose the first among equals," he said.

A government decision is expected at any time.

Last year the county won �4.76m in New Deal money, which forms part of its three-year �26m improvement programme at 100 schools.