Failing Peak District school wows Ofsted and jumps two grades to '˜good'

Edale Primary School has now been awarded a grading of ‘good’ by the education watchdog - the second highest rating - in all areas.

Inspector Stephanie Innes-Taylor said: “Over the last year, the school has been through a period of substantial change and improvement.

“The temporary appointment of the current executive headteacher was a turning point for the school.”

The report noted ‘the quality of teaching in the school has improved rapidly as a result of effective training and support’ and that this had a positive knock-on effect for the outcomes of pupils.

Ms Innes-Taylor said: “Pupils across the school make good progress in mathematics. In recent years, the most able pupils were not consistently stretched to do their best.

“Most able pupils are now better challenged to work at a greater depth of understanding and are making good progress towards reaching the higher standards.”

Pupils’ progress in reading and writing has also improved in recent months.

The early years provision was also praised, with the experienced and knowledgeable leader having ‘high expectations’ for students.

Headteacher Nancy Lees added: “We are absolutely thrilled to have made such a big jump in only 16 months and this is thanks to the whole school community getting behind us and supporting us and our plans for improvement.”