A PRIMARY school has been praised by Ofsted after an inspector was told by a pupil “teachers believe in you”.

A recent inspection by the education watchdog showed Andover Church of England Primary School continues to be “good”.

In a report, the inspector found since the leadership team joined the school in January last year, they had “successfully created a very inclusive school”.

The report added: “You have developed a culture of high expectations, and of sharing expertise to raise standards.”

The inspector said students enjoyed going to school and their behaviour was good overall.

Classrooms were seen to be “calm and focused on learning”, with the report adding: “Pupils try their best at learning, with one pupil saying, ‘If you think you can’t do something, teachers believe in you and you can.’”

The report stated the pupil attendance figures had been below the national average in recent years.

However it said leaders had been working with families of pupils whose attendance proved a concern to reduce absence.

The inspector also said too few pupils had made strong progress from their starting points by the end of Year 6 last year.

But the report added: “You have responded swiftly and effectively to these disappointing outcomes for pupils.”

Students were also reported to be encouraged to explore the world beyond the town, including Year 5 pupils, who were ‘researching the cultural heritage and religions of players from Chelsea Football Club.’

The report finished by pointing out the school’s next steps to further improve which included to continue to improve student attendance, strengthen a system for tracking pupils’ progress, and ensure there is a greater consistency in teaching and learning in mathematics across the school.

Melanie Beardsley, headteacher, said: "We are elated to receive external confirmation that the staff and community at Andover CE Primary provide a good standard of education for our pupils. 

"It recognises the hard work and dedication of the team."