A VILLAGE primary school says it is “back on track” after losing its outstanding rating from Ofsted inspectors.

Chilmark and Fonthill Bishop Church of England Aided Primary School required improvement in all five areas including leadership and management; teaching, learning and assessment; personal development; outcome for pupils; and early years provision.

Head teacher Adam Smith said: “It is a matter of public record that the school’s results have been falling for several years; 2016 results were low in all subjects and unsatisfactory in maths.

“I joined the school in February and, with the governors, have already made significant changes for improvement.

Although most performance data is not yet available the OFSTED report identifies that standards are now improving, consistent with our planned trajectory to an assessment of Good in two years’ time. We are waiting for the year 6 SATs exam result results in maths, reading, spelling & grammar, but have already received the externally moderated results for writing [90 per cent pass].

"This is clear evidence that we are back on track to being an excellent school with the ability to deliver a first class education.”

The report said: “The quality of teaching is not consistently good, which hinders pupils’ progress.”

There was “not enough challenge” for the most able pupils. And pupils were “not prepared well enough academically for their next steps in education”

However, the school was praised for improvements especially in mathematics. The report also highlighted successes in teaching disadvantage pupils and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities “helping them to achieve as well as their peers, and sometimes better”.

The report also said: “The headteacher has maintained a positive approach through a very turbulent time for the school. Staffing is now secure, and teachers are working well together as a team. They are determined to make improvements rapidly and ensure success for pupils."