A SOUTHAMPTON school that was once slammed in a damning report is now celebrating its new and improved Ofsted rating.

Highfield Church of England Primary School recieved a damning report following an inspection in January due to poor management and leadership.

The school on Hawthorn Road was given an overall grade of "inadequate" on March 24.

But now, the school has turned itself around and is celebrating a 'good' rating following its most recent inspection on July 7 and 8.

Three out of five categories - behaviours and attitudes, personal development, and early years provision - were rated 'outstanding', with quality of education and leadership being rated 'good'.

Daily Echo: Children at Highfield CE Primary School.Children at Highfield CE Primary School. (Image: Highfield CE Primary School.)

Headteacher Rosie Savill said that the new rating is a "fantastic message" to the local community.

She said: "This report is a fantastic new school year message to go out to the local community.

"It’s a school they feel incredibly proud of, and so do we.

"The report clearly recognises the innovative and fabulous work of the whole school.

"We are so pleased to be marked outstanding across three of the five categories and are very proud of all that the staff and pupils have achieved."

The inspectors found that pupils enjoy coming to school and are encouraged to make friends.

They stated that positive relationships between staff and pupils ensure that pupils are known as individuals.

Inspectors noted that Rosie and her team began to tackle the weaknesses that had been identified after the January report was published.

In the report, it said: "Leaders have worked hard to address the workload and well-being issues that staff previously faced.

"As a result, staff now feel invigorated and there is a sense of togetherness.

"The support of governors, the local authority, the diocese and Aspire Community Trust has been invaluable."

The curriculum was described as "exciting and engaging", with pupils "soaking up" what they learn.

Children are taught to be independent and curious, and never give up if things are difficult, the report said.

Inspectors said that reading is "at the heart of the school" adding that parents are actively involved in reading at home.

The report added: "Pupils are not just tolerant of each other and their differences, they embrace the differences they see around them and have a strong understanding of the contribution they can make to the world in which they live."

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