AN 'inspirational' headteacher has helped an Accrington primary school improve its Ofsted rating to 'good'.

Two inspectors from the education watchdog last month visited Baxenden St John's Church of England Primary School, which had been told it required improvement at its last full inspection.

In a report, lead inspector Jennifer Platt and additional inspector Barbara Harrold said: "The headteacher Christina Regan is an inspirational leader who has worked tirelessly to bring about change.

"She has enthused staff by her hard work and drive, and overcome several barriers to improve the school. Attainment and teaching are better than at the previous inspection. She is supported well by the deputy headteacher and staff morale is high."

Numerous changes have been made since the school's last inspection, a report said, and teaching is 'good and improving'.

The small school, in Church Avenue, was also given tips on how to further improve its rating to 'outstanding', the best possible mark on offer.

The inspectors' report said: "Pupils are sometimes confused about what is expected of them and an adult is not always at hand to point them in the right direction."

Pupils should also be given the chance to try out their own ideas, and the subject leaders, who are mainly new to the role, 'do not make the best use of information about pupils' progress when setting priorities for their subjects'.