A SCHOOL has clawed its way out of 'sharp decline' after a determined turnaround by staff.

Bayards Hill Primary School in Oxford has made major improvements, according to an Ofsted report released on Tuesday.

The Headington primary was rated 'requires improvement' across all five assessment categories in 2013 – the education watchdog's second-lowest standard – but has now been rated 'good' in three categories.

It maintained 'requires improvement' in categories of teaching quality and pupil outcomes, leading to an overall rating of 'requires improvement'.

Ofsted's report piled compliments on the school's headteacher Rachel Medley, who took the helm in 2015.

Inspectors wrote: "The headteacher's strong and courageous leadership has brought about significant improvement to a school that had been in sharp decline.

"Since her appointment she has steered the school through a period of great change. She has robustly tackled underperformance, and has an unwavering resolve to ensure the very best for every pupil."

They said safeguarding issues were addressed by Mrs Medley 'with urgency and vigour'.

The school in Waynflete Road, which teaches more than 400 pupils, converted to an academy in 2014 as part of the Community Schools Alliance Trust.

Maurice East, chairman of the school's governors, said: "The building blocks required to support and sustain long-term improvements are now firmly cemented in place.

"This [report] is official recognition that, since becoming an academy, the school has been fundamentally transformed and placed firmly on an upward trajectory."

He said the school community should be 'immensely proud' and praised Mrs Medley for her 'pivotal' role.

Mr East added: "Her unshakable determination to set and sustain the very highest standards permeates all aspects of school life."

Jolie Kirby, chief executive of the academy trust, said: "There are still areas for even more rapid progress but we are determined that all areas of the school will be judged at least 'good' by the next inspection.

"The commitment to our improvement is embedded in all that we do."

Headteacher Mrs Medley said she was 'delighted' that the school's hard work had been recognised, adding: "We are determined to continue our improvement drive and be good in all areas at our next inspection."

Ofsted did raise concern about 'inconsistent' teaching and pupil performance.

Inspectors highlighted 'a legacy of previous weak teaching and support', adding: "Historic weaknesses in teaching have resulted in significant gaps in pupils’ learning.

"Although improving, pupils' progress is not good enough in all classes."

Mr East said: "We agree with Ofsted that there is still much to do, but governors firmly believe this report signposts that Bayards Hill is well advanced on the journey to becoming a highly successful school."