A primary school that was told it ‘required improvement’ in its last inspection has just been rated ‘good’ by Ofsted.

At an inspection in November, Holy Trinity Primary School in Darwen was rated 'good' in all areas, including quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision.

The report highlighted the improvement in pupils’ achievements in English, maths and science, as well as a transformation in behaviour since the previous inspection in May 2017.

The report said: “In the past pupils have not achieved well in English, mathematics and science.

“Pupils are now learning well in these subjects because of improvements in the curriculum and in the leadership of the school.”

In September 2017, the school appointed a new headteacher, Kathryn Bolton, who has implemented significant changes that were also noted in the inspection report, which stated: “Pupils said that the changes made by the headteacher and her staff have made Holy Trinity a better place to be.

“Parents, carers and staff echo this view. For example, one parent described the school as a ‘beacon of kindness on the hill’.

“Everyone that we spoke with said that pupils’ behaviour at the school has been transformed since the previous inspection.

“The headteacher set out her expectations when she joined the school and she made the rules very clear.

“Staff work hard to praise pupils’ good behaviour. Staff ensure that children quickly become familiar with routines and expectations.”

Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities were also noted to be achieving well, receiving the appropriate support from staff.

Ms Bolton said: “I am incredibly proud of our school, children and staff.

“We are delighted with our Ofsted judgement and the incredible progress our school has made over the last two years.

“All our staff have worked exceptionally hard to ensure that our children receive the best possible education as well as being cared for and nurtured.

“We want our children to grow up to be confident, articulate and happy and we work tirelessly to ensure they do.”