A PRIMARY school is celebrating after emerging from a period of ‘considerable turbulence in leadership’ with a glowing Ofsted report.

Kimpton, Thruxton and Fyfield Church of England School achieved ‘good’ in all areas of the inspection, which was held at the beginning of November and published last week.

At its previous inspection two years ago it had been rated as ‘requires improvement’.

The Ofsted report stated the school’s previous head retired in December 2014.

After a period of temporary leadership, the current headteacher, Zoe Newton, took over in January this year.

The report added that the school had had many changes in teaching staff since the previous inspection.

For ‘effectiveness of leadership and management’, it highly praised not only the head but also the deputy head, staff, pupils, governors and parents.

The report added: “Highquality relationships based on respect and tolerance of all are a hallmark of the school.

“These have created a united, cohesive, ambitious school community with the best interests of pupils at its heart.”

However it added: “Although the great majority of teaching challenges most pupils, some of the most able feel that, at times, work is too easy and they would like even greater challenge.”

For personal development, behaviour and welfare, the inspector found ‘there is a strongly caring culture in the school’.

The report said: “Bullying is extremely rare in school. “When it does happen it is tackled robustly and quickly nipped in the bud.”

It found the behaviour of the pupils is good, saying: “One pupil in Year 1 said that she knew that older pupils would always look after her.

“Another boy in Year 6 said that pupils behave well in the school, except one or two of the very youngest at times.

“He explained that these children in Reception class had not learned how to behave well yet and he regarded it as his job to help them to achieve this.”

Outcomes for pupils showed percentages of Year 6 pupils achieving expected levels and higher were above the national average.

The report also showed early years provision was good.

An example was a teacher’s storytelling activity where children ‘begged for the story to be retold’.

Headteacher, Zoe Newton, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Kimpton, Thruxton and Fyfield CofE primary is now a good school.

“Since joining the school in January there has been a clear focused drive for improvement particularly in teaching and learning. I feel blessed to be head of a school with such hardworking, dedicated people who have responded so positively to the changes I have put in place.

“The Ofsted report is full of positive, affirming comments which are truly reflective of what the school is like on a day to day basis.

“I’m very proud of the whole team and most importantly the children.”