A PRIMARY school which had previously been rated as 'inadequate' has been graded as 'good' after its first Ofsted inspection since becoming an academy.

Pendle Primary Academy was visited by inspectors from the education watchdog last month and hailed its leadership and management, the quality of teaching and its early years provision.

The Walter Street school in Brierfield was rated as 'outstanding' for the behaviour and safety of its students.

The academy, which is part of the Pendle Education Trust, sponsored by Nelson and Colne College, was opened in March 2013.

The former Walter Street Primary School was put in special measures after its final inspection before breaking away from Lancashire County Council's control.

Education secretary Nicky Morgan praised the school's turnaround in the House of Commons alongside the borough's MP Andrew Stephenson on Monday.

Lead inspector Margot D'Arcy said: "Teaching is consistently good across the school, including in the early years.

"This is enabling pupils to learn well and eliminating the legacy of underachievement.

"Pupils’ behaviour is outstanding. They enjoy school and work hard because the school has helped them believe that they can achieve.

"The school is led by an inspirational principal whose belief that pupils deserve the best education possible has driven the many improvements that have occurred since she was appointed.

"The school’s work to keep pupils safe is outstanding. Vulnerable pupils are well cared for and supported.

"Pupils are taught how to recognise dangers and to be responsible citizens."

However the report judged that the school could not yet be rated as 'outstanding'.

Mrs D'Arcy said: " The legacy of underachievement is still evident in the attainment of pupils at the end of year two.

"Consequently, standards in reading, writing and mathematics are not yet high enough.

"Pupils’ progress in mathematics is not as consistently rapid as in reading and writing.

"Not enough children attain a good level of development by the end of reception."

Executive principal Julie Burnside said: "We couldn’t be prouder of the children, whose behaviour was deemed ‘outstanding’ and their pride in the school obvious in the report.

"I’m absolutely delighted for the whole school, the staff, the parents, children and governors, and of course Pendle Education Trust who sponsor the school.

"The report reflects the hard work and dedication of everybody here to make this school the very best that it can be."

Anita Ghidotti, chief executive of the Pendle Education Trust, said: “This is a fantastic Ofsted result which demonstrates how children can thrive in a safe, nurturing learning environment.

"Pupils and staff alike should be very proud of what they have achieved in less than two years."