THE headteacher of a North Somerset primary school which was given a Notice to Improve by Ofsted five years ago said ‘excellent’ progress has been made.

Uphill Primary School was told by the education watchdog in 2005 that its overall effectiveness was inadequate.

Inspectors said there was underachievement in years three to six, particularly in maths, and underachievement by higher attaining pupils.

But Ofsted’s last inspection in July this year revealed that the school in Old Church Road had ‘turned a corner’, and was judged as satisfactory, with a number of good elements.

Headteacher Chloe Langson, who took up the post in January 2008, said: “We were very pleased with the outcomes of our recent Ofsted as it recognised all the excellent progress that has been made in recent years.

“Not only have we seen significant improvements in the attainment and achievement of our pupils but Ofsted also praised the determined leadership of the school and highlighted the supportive governing body.”

She told the Mercury that pupils’ behaviour and the curriculum have ‘improved greatly’ and the level of challenge provided by the teachers has ‘increased significantly’.

Mrs Langson added that all children’s progress is now tracked carefully and regular pupils’ progress meetings are held five times a year to identify children at risk of falling behind.

She identified extra-curricular activities as important in helping students progress and said Uphill has a healthy extended schools provision.

Since becoming headteacher Mrs Langson said only five families have taken their children out of the school to educate them elsewhere within the area, and other pupils who have left have moved to other parts of the country.

She said that the school is over-subscribed each year and is testament to the improving standards.

“All the things that have been put into place over the last couple of years are now seeing a very positive impact on children’s outcomes, so it is now about embedding these changes, rather than introducing further new initiatives,” she added.

“I want the children at Uphill Primary School to have an outstanding primary education – the type of education that every child deserves, and will continue to work towards this with my hard working and committed staff team.”