A DRAMATIC improvement in standards at a Hampshire school has been praised by inspectors.

The Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted) has cited the rapid progress made by Brockenhurst CE Primary School since its previous inspection in 2012, when inspectors ruled that improvements were needed.

Ofsted has now rated the school as “good” and the behaviour of pupils as “outstanding”.

The report says: “The head teacher, ably supported by senior leaders and governors, showed a strong determination to tackle the weaknesses identified at the previous inspection.

“The very thorough analyses of those weaknesses, and the robust plans put in place to tackle them, have helped bring about rapid improvement.

“With inadequate teaching eradicated, leaders, governors and staff are working effectively to provide the best education possible.”

The report says the pupils’ progress has been good and continues to improve, resulting in above average attainment.

It adds: “The proportion of pupils making or exceeding the expected progress in Key Stage 2 is better than that seen nationally.

“Teaching is now uniformly at least good throughout the school and much is outstanding.

“Teachers’ planning, the marking of pupils’ work and the level of challenge seen in all lessons are good.

“In addition, staff are keen to try out new ideas to see if they help pupils’ to make even better progress and they willingly share successful ideas with colleagues, including those in other schools.”

The report says pupils know what they need to achieve in reading, writing and mathematics.

It adds: “All staff are good at checking how well pupils are doing during lessons and are swift to provide extra support for those who are having difficulty.

“Special programmes to help pupils who have fallen behind catch up easily are especially effective.”

The report praises pupil behaviour as outstanding. “This, together with their excellent attitudes makes a significant contribution to their learning and prepares pupils exceptionally well for the next stage of their education,” it says.

Head teacher Trudie Cawthra said: “We are very pleased that Ofsted have validated our judgements of our wonderful school.

“We work well as a united and supportive team and all the children are very well behaved.

“The school is well placed to improve further in the future.”