A PRIMARY school is now celebrating after an improved Ofsted rating.

West Blatchington Primary and Nursery School, Hangleton Way, is now good with outstanding features after an inspection said it required improvement two years ago.

Since then, the school has joined forces with Hove Park School and appointed the secondary school’s headteacher Derek Trimmer as executive head to work alongside Rachel Simmonds who heads the primary school.

The pair have pushed through improvements. Lead inspector Margaret Coussins said: “They form a strong team that has taken determined and effective action to improve the school.

“Since the previous inspection, inadequate teaching has been eradicated and pupils’ achievement and behaviour has improved.

“There is no complacency and staff share the determination and ambition of the executive headteacher and headteacher.”

Although Mr Trimmer will move on to pastures new in September when he leaves his posts at Hove Park and West Blatchington Primary, Ms Simmonds will stay on to continue to drive up standards.

She said: “This is a real team triumph. We are immensely proud.

“The children are a credit and the staff and governors have worked tirelessly to secure improvement and provide the best outcomes for all pupils.”

The report said the headteacher is relentless in her determination to provide the best learning and experiences for pupils.

Michael Jennings, chair of the governors, said: “The governing body is delighted that their faith in Rachel Simmonds and her team to deliver this result in two years has been justified.

“We knew we were seeing the development of a good school as each term went by and we know that this Ofsted judgement is the product of hard work and commitment at all levels.

“We want to congratulate everyone and acknowledge the part played by Hove Park School.”