A BLACKBURN school which was told by Ofsted chiefs that it ‘requires improvement’ has celebrated its best results in at least five years.

St Matthew’s CE Primary School was rated ‘good’ following its latest inspection with inspectors praising the headteacher for addressing areas identified for improvement during a previous inspection.

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Headteacher Julian Rogers said the outcome of the report gives them a “strong foundation to build on in the coming months and years”.

Inspectors found pupils benefit from an exciting curriculum, they are all making good and outstanding progress with a much higher than average proportion of disadvantaged pupils making more than expected progress in reading and maths.

Lead inspector Lenford White said: “Pupils attainment in reading, writing and maths has improved each year at the end of key stages one and two. Results in 2015 were the best in at least five years.

“This is an outward-facing school which is strategic in its approach. It is led by an effective headteacher, deputy headteacher and a capable senior leadership team.

Leaders have ensured that training and support for teachers and teaching assistants has improved their teaching and secured good outcomes for pupils.”

He said leaders had “raised the bar” to develop a “highly cohesive teaching force” which is clearly focused on helping pupils to realise their full potential.

“Teachers emphasise to pupils the importance of thinking outside the box when developing their ideas and using the English language,” he said.

Mr Rogers said: “We were delighted with the outcome of this inspection, which reflects a great deal of hard work from the whole school community – children, staff, parents and governors alike. “ “We were particularly pleased that the report recognises the strong relationships that exist between teachers and children, the good and outstanding progress that all groups of pupils make and the fact that behaviour is never less than good.

“We have always known that our children are fantastic, a view shared by the Ofsted team in the report when they mention that pupils co-operate with each other, have a thirst for knowledge and relish opportunities to find out new things.

“This report gives us a strong foundation to build on in the coming months and years.”