A PRIMARY school has climbed to one step off the top grade given by Ofsted having been at the bottom of the scale last year.

Patcham Junior School in Brighton is now graded as good after serious weaknesses were reported in January 2014 when it was graded inadequate – the worst possible status.

The quality of teaching at Patcham Juniors has improved significantly and is now consistently good, leading to pupils making good progress in reading, writing and mathematics and achieve well across the school.

Headteacher Ashley Seymour-Williams said: “The improvements we’ve seen can only happen when expectations are high and staff and pupils alike have a strong learning culture and a clear desire to succeed.

“It’s about attention to detail, with effective use of pupil data and rigorous checks on their progress. It’s also about good support and training for staff.

“This has been a real team effort. I’m delighted that the hard work and dedication of our staff has been recognised by the inspectors.

“I am immensely proud of our children and grateful for the support we have had from our governing body, our parents and carers and the wider community.”