A PRIMARY school is now working towards being “outstanding” after receiving a ratings boost.

St Joseph’s RC Primary School in Darwen was inspected by Ofsted at the start of last month and has been upgraded in a recent report from “requires improvement” to “good”.

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Headteacher Anne O’Brien said the school will aim to be graded as “outstanding” when the education assessor returns to review the school.

It was praised for its leadership, teaching and early years provision, as well as the children’s personal development and outcomes.

Ofsted inspector Lenford White said: “This is a very effective and continually improving school which nurtures and supports pupils’ education and physical and personal development exceptionally well.

“Determined and focused senior leaders and knowledgeable governors have ensured teaching quality and pupils’ achievement have greatly improved since the last inspection.

“Effective middle leaders make a good contribution to improving teaching and learning quality.

“Pupils benefit from an exciting curriculum stimulating eagerness to learn.

“Pupils enjoy school, are welcoming, well behaved and proud of successes.”

The inspector said that the school was not yet “outstanding” as teachers in Key Stage One “do not always” challenge pupils, especially the most able, to achieve as well as they could.

They added that teachers “do not always” ensure pupils have a deep enough understanding of maths or of its importance in everyday life.

The school, which has 136 pupils on its roll, was last inspected in September 2013.

Headteacher Mrs O’Brien said that she was “absolutely thrilled and delighted” after receiving the grading boost.

She said: “We are delighted our inspector recognised the significant work has been done at St Joseph’s since our last inspection, particularly in making sureall children make good progress in reading, writing and mathematics, but also in recognising our children benefit from an exciting curriculum which stimulates their eagerness to learn.

“Our children are well known for good behaviour.

“Good manners and respect for each other were also noted.”