STAFF and pupils at a Southampton primary school are celebrating an Ofsted result.

Inspectors praised leaders at Hightown Primary in Thornhill and said the school is now ‘good’ across the board.

It comes two years after inspectors said the school ‘required improvement’ in April 2016.

In the last year Hightown has seen the appointment of a new headteacher, Sian Cook, and acting deputy headteacher, Gavin de Courcy.

As reported it has also joined the Inspire Learning Partnership, a new alliance of four Hampshire schools and a nursery.

Lead inspector, Bill James, said in his report: “The school has moved forward rapidly and pupils are now making good progress.

“Leaders have received highly effective support from the trust’s executive principal. Working together, they have focused on improving teaching as a priority, doing so with determination and vigour.”

The report also praised teaching as ‘good’ and said teachers have high expectations.

Children, the inspectors said, make a confident start to their time at school and make good progress in their learning.

Pupils are also proud to be part of the school, enjoy the roles of responsibility given to them and show high levels of care for one another.

Outcomes in reading, writing and maths are steadily improving across the school, including that of more able children and those with special needs.

CEO and Executive Principal of the partnership, Claire Lowe, said: “We are delighted that Ofsted has recognised the hard work of Sian and her team, which has led to the improvements that have taken place at Hightown.

“As a trust we are determined to support and work with Hightown’s dedicated teaching staff and parents in continuing this excellent progress and to keep on improving.

“Working with the whole school community is essential and our role is to help forge even stronger links with them to support pupils’ development.”

Inspire Learning Partnership consists of Hightown and Kane’s Hill primary schools in Southampton and Blackfield Primary, Blackfield Nursery and Fawley Infants on the Waterside.

All of its schools and nursery are rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted.