A HEREFORD primary school pushed into special measures less than three years ago and rated inadequate by inspectors has turned its fortunates around.

St Thomas Cantilupe CE Primary School, in Coningsby Street, was criticised by Ofsted inspectors in 2019 for weak teaching, low expectations poor pupil progress and above average absence levels.

But in the two years since then, significant staff changes and the governing body being replaced by a strategic task group has seen the school's rating jump from inadequate to good in all area after a visit in May – moving out of special measures.

Headteacher Claire McKeown said it was exceptional for to jump up to grades in one go, and was "virtually unheard of".

Ofsted inspector Eve Morris said in a report after the inspection on May 25 and 26: "Over the past two years the school has improved significantly.

"All staff have high expectations of pupils and expect them to work hard. Pupils are keen to learn and respond well to the challenge."

The inspection looked in detail at reading, writing, mathematics, geography and computing and spoke highly of the quality of teaching and curriculum planning.

As a result of knowing their pupils well, Ms Morris said staff set high expectations and develop pupils’ resilience.

The school’s only area for development is one that it said it was already working on, continuing to refine assessment in the foundation subjects and this work will be completed in the next few months.

The inspector said pupils feel safe and happy at the school, which has 204 pupils aged two to 11 on roll, and it has a "strong sense of community".

Parents and carers said by inspectors to be "overwhelmingly positive" about the changes.