A HEAD teacher has been praised after boosting her new school’s Ofsted rating after criticism in 2013.

Zoe Mabbott, joined St Michael and St John’s RC Primary School in Clitheroe in January 2014, after it was considered to “require improvement” when it was last inspected by the education watchdog.

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After a team of inspectors visited the Lowergate school last month and upgraded its rating to “good” while praising the head teacher and the senior leadership team.

The school has 202 pupils and was commended for it’s leadership and management, the behaviour and safety of the children and the quality of teaching.

Lead inspector Lenford White said: “This is a very welcoming school, which has an excellent standing in the community and strong links with parents and the local church.

“The head teacher, senior leadership team, staff and governors have worked tirelessly to ensure that all areas for improvement identified at the previous inspection have been successfully addressed.

“The head teacher and senior leaders, with the full support of staff, have been relentless in their pursuit of excellence.

“With the support of governors, leaders have clearly identified school improvement priorities, which have resulted in good quality teaching and pupils’ good achievement and behaviour.

“Inspection evidence, including school data, discussions with staff and pupils and work in pupils’ books, indicates that the school’s overall effectiveness is improving rapidly.

“Together with experienced, supportive and challenging governors, the head teacher and senior leaders have raised standards across the school.

“Pupils benefit from a generally effective and fully engaging curriculum, which develops appreciation and curiosity about local history, the natural world, arts and science.

“Pupils’ attendance is high and their behaviour is good. Pupils know how to stay safe.

“They enjoy finding out new things and relish the many opportunities they have to assume responsibilities, for example, as chaplains.”

He added that the school was not yet “outstanding” because “best practice” in teaching spelling, grammar and punctuation is “yet to be fully shared” across the school.

Head teacher Zoe Mabbott said: “We are delighted and proud to have been given this rating. I have a wonderful team here at the school and a great community supporting us .”