Inspectors say school’s hard work is paying off to be rated across the board. The school previously required improvement in its last report two years ago.

Sidmouth Herald: Head teacher Mark Gilronan and assistant head teachers Dan Western and Alice Purcell with the children celebrating their good OFSTED. Ref sho 29 17AB 7896. Picture: Antonia BohmHead teacher Mark Gilronan and assistant head teachers Dan Western and Alice Purcell with the children celebrating their good OFSTED. Ref sho 29 17AB 7896. Picture: Antonia Bohm (Image: Archant)

Staff and pupils at Ottery Primary School had the perfect end to term after receiving a ‘good’ Ofsted report.

The school has made ‘rapid and sustained’ changes after inspectors said it required improvement in 2015.

The school was visited in June by a team led by her Majesty’s Inspector Jonathan Dyer.

In the report he said children received a good start to their education as a result of strong teaching.

The inspector said: “Teaching across the school is of a high quality. Teachers plan engaging activities that capture pupils’ interests and motivate them in their learning.

“Staff have high expectations of their pupils, both of their academic achievement and of behaviour. Pupils say they enjoy their learning.”

He also noted the strong support for pupils and effectiveness of safeguarding and leadership since the recruitment of two assistant headteachers and a pastoral manager.

The inspector said: “Together with the headteacher, these leaders have been rigorous and relentless in driving up standards. As a result the quality of teaching, learning and assessment and, consequently, pupils’ outcomes have increased significantly.

Headteacher Mark Gilronan said in the last report inspectors remarked on consistency of teaching leading to the school to focus on improving pupils’ progress and develop a learning vision.

He said: “It’s been hard work for everyone, the kids, the staff, the parents, its been a real community effort. I cannot single out one group.

“In the last report the inspector said there was pockets of good teaching and pockets of less consistent good teaching. Now it’s good and consistently good. We have developed over the last two years our learning progress and learning vision of explore, challenge, and learn.”

The inspector added the school could improve further by provide the most able pupils opportunities to develop their understanding and improve and parental engagement.