BOSSES at a school previously struggling to meet standards have been praised for turning things around.

Ofsted inspectors judged St Luke and St Philips Church of England Primary School in Blackburn required improvements following an inspection in 2017.

But two years on, the Hancock Street school has been judged good amid assertions from inspectors that it is thriving.

In 2017, inspectors found progress in reading and mathematics was not consistent among pupils while older children still had gaps in their learning from past underachievement. Leaders did not have enough information about how well pupils were progressing in the full range of subjects they study and some parents were failing to make sure their children attended school regularly.

Inspectors also said communication with alternative provision about pupils’ absence was not tight enough.

Now the headteacher, Samantha O’Connell, skilfully supported by governors, senior and middle leaders, has put in place clear plans for success, inspectors found.

Mrs O’Connell said: “We are thrilled to bits with this result. We couldn’t have achieved this without consistency, hard work, and the collaboration between the nine other schools in the academy trust, which we became a part of in 2014.

“I am so very proud to be the headteacher at this fantastic academy. We pride ourselves on being a friendly and welcoming academy where everyone feels valued. Our children feel safe and enjoy coming to school. “

Lead Ofsted inspector Gary Kelly sang the praises of staff, pupils and governors in a report into his visit.

He said: “Staff morale is high; all staff are provided with good professional support and training. There is a strong sense of teamwork, which is reflected in the way that staff work to support all pupils. Pupils make great strides forward in their personal development.

“They are caring, respectful individuals who enjoy coming to school. Pupils behave well and are eager to learn.

“Staff promote pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development well through the wide and varied range of curriculum experiences, both in and out of the school.

“Children get off to a flying start in the early years. They settle into school quickly, are happy and enjoy their learning.

“Teachers have strong subject knowledge. The quality of teaching and use of assessment are consistently good throughout the school.

“Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and disadvantaged pupils are well supported and make good progress.

“Governors are knowledgeable about the work of the school.

“They provide a good level of challenge and support to the headteacher to ensure that the school continues to move forward.”

Chief executive Peter Ashworth said: “This is a fantastic and well deserved good judgement for St Luke & St Philip’s. Over two days the inspectors witnessed and acknowledged excellent practice across all areas in a caring and friendly school community. This judgement is an affirmation of the hard work and effort put in by all the staff, pupils, governors and parents to raise standards and to quote the Academies vision - ensure excellence is encouraged, minds are opened, diversity is embraced, respect is expected and talents are nurtured under the umbrella of God’s love. Led by Miss O’Connell the Academy is now poised to build on this success as it continues to deliver an exciting, broad and balanced curriculum that meets the needs of the local community and pushes the aspirations of our pupils.”