A SCHOOL is celebrating after receiving a glowing report from an education watchdog two years after being told to improve.

St Nicholas Primary in Tollesbury Road, Tolleshunt D’Arcy, has been rated good across the board by inspectors at Ofsted.

It comes two years after the school was told it required improvement.

Inspector James Richards praised pupils’ behaviour, phonics teaching and the headteacher and executive headteacher.

Louise Eastbrook took on the role of head of school last September.

She originally worked with Kelvedon St. Mary’s Primary Academy and the two schools have been in partnership since last spring.

Mr Richards’ report said: “They lead with drive and rigour. The partnering of this school with a local primary academy has been instrumental in bringing about rapid school improvement.”

But Mr Richards said more work was needed to improve pupils’ progress and improve rates of absence from school.

He said: “Despite the work of leaders, which has had some effect, rates of absence and persistent absence remain above the national average.”

Mrs Eastbrook said: “We are ecstatic. We’re all very pleased here at the school. It has been years of work and it has finally paid off.

“The stability of staffing has been a big contribution to this. With an unstable staff, it is difficult.

“As soon as you get going with something, it’s back to square one. So stability has helped.

“Having a strong leadership with vision and working together helped too. It’s a wonderful school, very supportive parents, very strong governors.

“The chair of the governors has been tireless in her work to support the school and the staff.

“We focused on teaching and learning, giving the kids the time to practice.

“The aim is to grow the school back to what it should be. But for now, it’s been great. A real team effort.”