A SCHOOL previously rated inadequate is celebrating a remarkable turnaround after it was deemed 'good' by inspectors.

The rapid transformation of Loders CE Primary School has been recognised in the latest Ofsted inspection.

Following an outstanding SIAMS report made by Church of England inspectors earlier in the year, Ofsted inspectors have praised the rapid improvement in all areas since the last inspection, grading the school as 'good' across all areas.

Loders Foundation Stage Unit, including Little Acorns nursery, started in 2017, was classed as 'highly successful' with children aged between two and five making strong progress.

Rated inadequate and in decline at a previous inspection, inspectors commended the momentum established and the continued teaching improvements since being sponsored by the Acorn Multi-academy Trust, a group of six schools and four pre-schools working together in the area.

Headteacher Peter Beare, who joined the school in 2017 as part of the trust, is recognised as central in the transformation at the school and works closely with specialists across the trust. Mr Beare says he is proud of the result.

“Turning a school around from special measures to good is no small task and is testament to the dedication and commitment of the motivated team both in school and across the wider MAT and the unwavering support of parents, our children and governors at the school," said Mr Beare.

"This result is one for the whole school community to celebrate and take pride in, especially as we now look forward to celebrating the school’s 150th anniversary in October. We are extremely proud of the rich and varied curriculum we offer and would welcome any parent or carer of school or pre-school age children to come and see this for themselves.”

Acorn chief executive, Andrea Rice, an ambassador for improving the standards of rural schools nationally, said: “Seeing the turnaround in any of our schools is immensely pleasing but, at Loders, the speed that Peter and his team have been able to improve standards has been a delight to be part of. It really shows what can be achieved when rural schools pool resources and work together sharing best practice”