Major progress have been made by a Hereford primary school classed as ‘requiring improvement’ by inspectors.

A new Ofsted monitoring report praises the culture change at Broadlands Primary School and says it has ‘come a long way’ since its last inspection in January.

The school has been rated as ‘needing improvement’ since the start of 2014, but the latest inspection has been hailed as ‘really heartening’ by Executive Headteacher Simon Robertson.

A monitoring report cannot alter a school’s rating – that needs a full inspection – but Mr Roberston says the praise from the most recent inspection has made staff even more determined.

The inspector said teachers thought the school was now a much happier place.

“Leaders have taken very effective action to bring about much-needed improvements.

“Attainment in reading, writing and mathematics at the expected standard and the higher standard was at least in line with the national averages. This is a significant achievement, of which staff, governors and leaders are rightly proud,” said the inspector.

Broadlands, which has 165 pupils, is federated with Aylestone High School and Withington Primary School.

Since the previous inspection the leadership structure across the federation has changed, with a new post with responsibility for the quality of primary education. The school has also appointed two newly qualified teachers.

While the inspection found that more work was needed, it said: “Senior leaders and governors are taking effective action to tackle the areas requiring improvement.”

Mr Robertson said: “The percentage of children reaching the national expected standard for reading, writing and mathematics was 74%, which is 9% above the national average.

“All in all I have to say that I couldn’t be prouder of the work everyone involved has put in at Broadlands.”

The school is holding an Open Day on Wednesday, November 13, with tours at 9.20am and 2pm.