A SCHOOL in Darwen has been rated as 'good' following it’s first Ofsted inspection since becoming an academy.

Darwen St James CE Primary Academy, a member of the Cidari Multi-Academy Trust, was last inspected in 2011 before becoming an academy and was also rated 'good' then too.

During their latest visit to the St James Crescent school inspectors praise the leadership team.

Inspectors said:: “The leadership team has maintained the good quality of education in the school since the last inspection.

"Following a period of turbulence in staffing, when the school converted to an academy, you have built a new leadership team that works effectively with all staff to provide a harmonious learning community.”

Maggie Beck, headteacher, said: “I am delighted that the hard work and dedication of the staff at the school has been recognised by Ofsted.

“This rating will give the academy great encouragement in its continuing quest to provide the best possible education for the children.”

This is the third successful result for the school this year as the nursery was also rated as ‘good’ by Ofsted at the start of the year and in the summer an inspection by the Diocese rated the academy’s faith provision as ‘good’.