A SOUTH Tyne school has been praised by Ofsted inspectors for turning around its fortunes.

Two years after being told it required improvement, Greenhead C of E Primary School has been rated as good by inspectors.

In a newly-published report, Ofsted said the school had benefited from effective support from both the Diocese of Newcastle and Northumberland County Council.

Inspectors praised the strong curriculum at Greenhead, highlighting English and maths as particularly strong, and noting how Early Years children were thriving.

They said the school’s recently-appointed executive headteacher, Sarah Hutchinson, had delivered improvements, with the support of other leaders, teachers, parents, and a newly-formed governing body.

The report said lessons were carefully planned to capture pupils’ interest, and to develop their knowledge.

It added: “The school is a caring community and pupils have a strong sense of belonging.

“Pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is good. The school environment is calm and there is a real sense of joy and wonder in learning.”

Inspectors concluded that science was not as strong at Greenhead, because there were not enough opportunities to learn from hands-on experimentation and practical activities.

However, they said this was acknowledged by leaders at the school.

Mrs Hutchinson said: “This report forms the basis for even greater improvement, and I am confident the school will remain one of the best in the area for years to come.”

“I am so proud that the combined hard work of staff, children, governors and parents, as well as many others, has been recognised so positively.”

Chairman of governors Pippa Milburn said the support of the diocese, and the school’s local authority consultant, Judith Meek, had embedded a solid structure for teaching and learning.

Mrs Milburn also praised the wider community for contributing to the positive turnaround at Greenhead Primary.