'STRONG and ambitious leadership' and 'well-behaved, polite and respectful' pupils are just a few of the comments made by Ofsted inspectors following a visit to Birchwood Primary.

The school on Admirals Road was graded as good across the board with outstanding features in its early years’ provision following an inspection on May 19 and 20.

The head teacher was praised for her 'relentless drive' to improve the school, which had previously been graded as inadequate. 

Pupils benefit from an outstanding start to their school lives and staff throughout the school act as excellent role models.

Inspectors added: "Teachers’ effective use of questioning to develop pupils’ language and reasoning skills is a significant factor in helping pupils to make good progress.

"Governors take decisive actions that reflect their passion and determination to make a positive difference for the pupils in the school."

The school missed out on the highest rating of outstanding more effort is needed to improve attendance, pupils’ progress in writing is not as strong as it is in reading and mathematics and some of the most able pupils do not make as much progress as they could in lessons.