INSPECTORS praised a school which was branded “inadequate” by Ofsted less than a year ago.

Her Majesty’s Inspectors (HMI) visited Moulsecoomb Primary School for a “monitoring inspection” last month after it was given the lowest possible rating in April.

The school in The Highway, Moulsecoomb, is facing academisation following the previous inspection, something which is fiercely opposed by parents, teachers and Brighton and Hove City Council.

However, HMI inspectors visiting on February 4 and 5 said leaders are taking effective action, the school’s improvement plan is fit for purpose.

They also praised the local authority’s statement of action.

Inspectors found the “right climate for learning” has been created, improving the pupil’s attitudes and behaviour.

“Pupils want to learn. They feel safe and secure at school,” HMI said.

Adding: “Leaders and governors have increasing clarity about what needs to be done to improve pupils’ learning.

“They have also welcomed support from outside the school because they are determined to improve.”

Following the last inspection in April 2019, the school was issued with an academy order.

As yet, no trust has been approved to take on the school.

New Horizons Academy Trust withdrew from trying to run the school in December.

Trust bosses had faced fierce opposition and protests both from parents and from staff at the school.

It led New Horizons education director Lee Murley to say the mood was “toxic” at the school, leaving it at risk of being closed by the Department for Education.

But the National Education Union Brighton secretary Paul Shellard said Mr Murley’s words were an “insult to loyal and committed staff”.

Councillor Kate Knight is vice chair of council’s children, young people and skills committee, and also represents Moulsecoomb as a ward councillor.

She said: “I’m delighted that the inspectors have acknowledged the progress the school has made, and said the school is going in the right direction.

‘I’m very proud of the work that leaders at the school, children, parents, the community and the council are doing to support the school.

“We’ve said time and time again that the school is making good progress under its current leadership.

“We’ve also said all along that converting the school to an academy is unnecessary and would be highly disruptive to pupils at the school.

“It would seem that even the inspectors are now recognising the disruption the academisation process is causing.

“I’m really angry about this. Surely the government must now acknowledge that it’s time for them to do the decent thing and call off their academy plans.

“This administration will continue oppose any attempt to force local schools to become academies.”

The recent HMI monitoring visit does not change Ofsted’s “inadequate” rating, but the inspectors have confirmed the school is heading in the right direction.