A PRIMARY school has climbed out of special measures to the delight of its staff, pupils and parents.

Rogate Church of England Primary School has been graded as ‘requires improvement’ in its latest inspection – a rise from ‘inadequate’ in January last year.

And to top it all off, the school was graded ‘good’ in three of its five inspection categories, receiving ‘requires improvement’ in the remaining two.

The report said inspectors acknowledged leaders and governors had an honest and accurate view of the school’s strengths and areas for improvement.

They were also appropriately focused on improving the quality of teaching and learning, and improving the quality of education the school provides.

Chair of governors Verona Hall said: “We feel the new report is a fair judgement at this particular moment.

“It would be extremely unusual, particularly within just 18 months, to jump from ‘inadequate’ to ‘good’ overall, but we achieved ‘good’ ratings for three out of five areas, not least leadership and management – which includes governance and safeguarding, our weakest areas last time.

“The governors and senior management of the school have worked extremely hard to work through the action plan agreed after the 2016 inspection, so we are delighted to have achieved the ‘good’ in this area.”

Inspectors also said that the quality of governance had improved significantly in the last year and the headteacher led the school with energy and determination.

Ms Hall added: “We will now make sure their recommendations are fully reflected in our school improvement plan and governor action plan, and ensure staff address them as quickly as possible.”

Headteacher Amy O’Toole, who was appointed in February last year, added: “I am extremely proud of the way our children, families and staff have performed in this inspection. It is a tribute to the dedication of the whole school community that we have been able to make such rapid progress, and I look forward to continuing the journey with them to take our school to good and outstanding ratings.”