Romsey Abbey Primary School’s interim headteacher says work is already well under way to restore the school’s reputation after a damaging Ofsted report.

Hampshire education chiefs have brought in Nursling Primary School’s headteacher, Lorina Smith, to turn the school around following the departure of previous head, Jane Everard.

Mrs Smith will be in post until the end of summer term in July.

A permanent headteacher wil be appointed in time for the start of the new school year in September.

Last December, Ofsted rated the school “inadequate” and said special measures were urgently needed to improve leadership and management, teacher and pupil performance, the curriculum, monitoring, IT performance and governance.

Shocked governors launched a “crusade for excellence” with the support of the Church, county education bosses, staff and parents.

Mrs Smith, who will be working at the school four days a week, said: “I was asked about a week before half-term to come here and make changes.

“There is a lot to be done and I want to prioritise what needs doing. I believe the school can move forward rapidly and I am doing it with the help of Romsey School. But I don’t want to lose what’s good about Romsey Abbey Primary School. We are here to improve it.

“I have an ‘open door’ policy at Nursling and I am doing the same here. Pupils or parents who have concerns can come in and talk to me about them.”

Mrs Smith had the chance to speak to parents for the first time at a special meeting held on Monday evening, when plans for the school were announced.

“We want to move forward and involve the parents more to improve communications between them and the school,” said Mrs Smith.

“We already have what effectively is a parents’ council and we want to build on that.”

She said there were several similarities between Nursling and Romsey Abbey Primary School, including pupil numbers and a Church ethos.

Chairman of Romsey Abbey Primary School governors, Chris Riley, welcomed the interim appointment of Mrs Smith.

Mr Riley said: “I am confident as chairman of the governors that we will see a significant and very positive change in the school’s progress during her time at the school.

“The process of advertising for a new headteacher has already begun and the successful applicant should be in place in September.”