WITH a new name and a ‘good’ Ofsted rating, the future is looking bright for one Hexham school.

Leaders at Hexham East First School on Beaufront Avenue felt it was time for a change to reflect the current school population.

“We’re a school for the whole of Hexham, not just the immediate community we are part of, and that’s really what we wanted to get across through the name change,” said headteacher Rebecca Jackson.

“We have an increasing number of youngsters coming to us from further afield, so the name Hexham First School seemed like a good fit.”

Before the change was introduced, the governing body and members of staff sounded out parents for their views.

A new school logo has been developed alongside a new website, and pupils have had an input.

“We asked the children what they thought of when they thought about school and they told us about it being on on a hill, near the River Tyne and Hexham Abbey,” Miss Jackson added.

The new graphic features all three landmarks and will be proudly displayed on school signage and uniforms from September.

“We have a strong team of staff who have experience and enthusiasm in equal measure and great support from parents and the community,” said Miss Jackson.

“We’re just keen to continue improving and building on the school’s success.”

And, according to education officials, the school is on the right track after it received high praise during a routine inspection last month.

Ofsted inspector Mark Evans said the school provided a good quality education for its 149 pupils, crediting Miss Jackson, who took up her post in September 2015, with introducing a “culture where learning, kindness and hard work are the norm.”

Miss Jackson added: “We’re delighted with the report and, with the support of improved educational partnerships, as well as governors, staff and parents, we’ll continue to work to raise standards further.”