A LEIGH school which was once ruled “inadequate” by Ofsted has been rated “good” – and its pupils’ behaviour “outstanding” – after its most recent inspection.

After hearing the news, delighted Edwards Hall Primary School headteacher Jim Johnson said he now hoped to steer the school towards an overall “outstanding”

rating.

Ofsted inspectors visited the school, in Macmurdo Road, last month and described it as “happy and harmonious”.

Their report speaks of the way the management has helped teachers develop their skills.

“As a result, they found teaching was consistently good, and improving.

It added: “Pupils’ progress in reading, writing and mathematics is rapidly improving across the school. Their attainment is above, if not significantly above, national averages in these subjects.

“Pupils’ behaviour is outstanding.

Around the school they show considerable care and responsibility.

They have extremely positive attitudes and this helps them to be very successful learners.”

After speaking to children during their visit the inspectors said: “They say teachers make learning fun and show an excitement in learning new skills. Well established routines in lessons mean that no time is wasted.

“Pupils arrive to lessons ready to learn, and show a willingness to apply themselves. The pupils are rightly proud of their achievements. This is reflected, for example, in the care they show in the presentation of their work.”

Mr Johnson, who joined the school, which has 360 pupils, four years ago when the school was struggling, was clear about what is needed to turn a school around.

He said: “It’s about the quality of teaching and about the training we put in place to support teachers in delivering an inspirational curriculum.”

Mr Johnson said: “Ofsted recognised the good behaviour of our children.

“The children’s love of learning has led them to them making very good progress, while an inspirational curriculum engages them, so they love coming to school.

“They are willing to take risks and learn from their mistakes.

“We hope to attain ‘outstanding’ at our next inspection.”