STAFF at a Hatch Warren primary school are celebrating after another ‘good’ status from Ofsted was secured.

Inspectors visited St Mark’s Church of England Primary School, in Danebury Road on March 15, and judged that the school had maintained an overall ‘good’ rating.

This comes following the school’s previous inspection in January 2014, where Ofsted inspectors judged the school as ‘good’ in all four categories on which they judge educational facilities.

Inspector Daniel Lambert said in his report: “The leadership team has maintained the good quality of education in the school since the last inspection.

“Since starting in September, you have wasted no time: developing staff, gaining the trust and respect of parents and carers, and galvanising a strong and ambitious leadership team.”

Mr Lambert added: “Pupils across the school embody the new learning behaviours of creativity, curiosity, pride, responsibility, risk-taking, teamwork and resilience.”

This report comes following a change of focus for the school since the start of the new academic year, something the inspector noted in his report.

Since September 2017, teachers and support staff received training which helps them to set, evaluate and adapt tasks that are closely aligned to pupils’ starting points.

In a letter home to parents, headteacher at St Mark’s, Charles Applegate, praised the efforts of his staff and the input of parents and governors to maintain the rating.

Mr Applegate addressed the fact he knows there is still improvement to be made and the school has already taken steps to achieve this and push the school towards an ‘Outstanding’ rating.

The headteacher was also quick to heap on praise his staff and their efforts.

In the letter, Mr Applegate said: “Since joining St Mark’s in September, I have found them to be passionate, hardworking and keen for every child to make strong progress. They make our school a great place to work.” through their team-spirit and dedication, and I am very grateful for them.”

A full report will soon be available on Ofsted’s website.