A PRIMARY school put in special measures two years ago has turned itself around to achieve a ‘Good’ rating from Ofsted.

St Oswald’s CE Primary Academy, in Cross Lane, Great Horton was rated inadequate by Ofsted in 2016, but has now improved to a ‘Good’ school following the inspection earlier this month.

Ofsted paid tribute to the “thriving culture” and “strong sense of community” created by leaders at the school, empowering teachers to take responsibility and be accountable for pupil outcomes.

The report said: “Teachers regularly consider their practice, for example through training sessions when they scrutinise the work in pupils’ books.

“Therefore, teachers have increasingly high expectations of what pupils can, and should, achieve.”

Ofsted added the support from Bradford Diocesan Academies Trust has been “instrumental to the school’s improvement”.

“Broad curriculum experiences contribute well to pupils’ high levels of spiritual, moral, social and cultural

understanding,” it added.

Pupils’ behaviour was also praised by inspectors, and while attainment is still below the national average, pupils are making good progress in English, maths and other subjects and meeting age-related expectations.

The work done by the school’s leadership to improve attendance and reduce persistent absence was also noted as being “very successful”, but attendance figures are still below national averages.

To improve further, inspectors told the school it needs to continue to improve the consistency and effectiveness of teaching, ensure more pupils are reaching and exceeding age-related expectations, and continue to improve pupils’ attendance.

Gillian Wilson, headteacher at St Oswald’s, said: “We are absolutely delighted that all the hard work at St Oswald’s from both our students and our staff has been recognised.

“My vision was to develop a school where pupils can learn and achieve whilst enjoying their education.

“We have worked relentlessly over the last few years to make sure St Oswald’s is a happy place, where children, staff and parents share high expectations that every child can achieve their very best potential.”

Craig Lee, executive principal at St Oswald’ and primary director for BDAT, added: “St Oswald’s has been on a remarkable journey in recent years.

“This outcome is a testimony to the hard work that the staff and particularly the school leaders, have put in to securing the schools outcomes, teaching and student experience.

“It has been a pleasure working with the staff, students, parents and governors at the school and together we have set the school firmly on a trajectory to reach outstanding.”