A SCHOOL is celebrating after it recaptured its “good” Ofsted rating which it was last awarded in 2009.

St Paul’s CE Primary School in Nelson was given an improved rating by the education watchdog following an inspection last month.

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At its last inspection in October 2013, the school was told it “requires improvement”.

This time, the Hibson Road school was praised in all areas including teaching, leadership and the early years provision.

However, according to the report the quality of teaching is not leading to “consistently outstanding achievement” and the most-able pupils are “not being challenged sufficiently” to achieve the highest standards of which they are capable.

Lead inspector Aelwyn Pugh said: “The senior leaders, under the determined leadership of the head teacher, have succeeded in bringing about clear improvements in the school.

“The governors are now effective in holding the head teacher and staff to account.

“Staff morale is high and relationships between all members of the school community are good.

“The pupils are kept safe and they enjoy coming to school. They behave well in lessons and during social times.

“They take pride in their own appearance and the school environment.

“The quality of teaching, learning and assessment has improved and is now good.”

The inspector said the results, across both stages, at the 330-pupil school had improved and were now in line with or above national averages.

“Disadvantaged pupils make as much progress as other pupils nationally.

“The leadership of the early years is strong and children make good progress in a stimulating, safe and caring environment.”

However the inspector added that the school environment “does not always reflect the diversity of the community represented by its pupils” and that leaders and governors “do not always make the best use of information about pupils’ performance”.

Cllr Abdul Aziz, who represents the area on Pendle Council, said: “I’m really glad that the school has been upgraded and it’s good news for people in this ward.

“It’s a big deal for the school and it means that the children are getting a better quality of education.”