FURTHER improvements need to be made to a Weymouth school after inspectors gave it the second lowest Ofsted rating for the second time in two years.

Ofsted inspectors delivered a ‘requires improvement’ verdict after visiting Holy Trinity Church of England Primary School earlier this month.

The school was previously inspected in 2012 when it was downgraded to ‘satisfactory’ from ‘good’.

Ofsted framework has changed, meaning that a school once rated ‘satisfactory’ has become ‘requires improvement’.

Areas the inspectors highlighted as needing further improvement include the teaching of phonics, handwriting and presentation, mathematical problem-solving skills and pupils working independently.

Inspectors said teaching is not yet consistently good enough to ensure that all pupils develop good independent learning skills and achieve well.

Strategies implemented in the past to support some pupils at risk of underachieving were not effective enough to help the pupils close the gap on their peers, the report said.

Headteacher Kay Rawling said: “Since the 2012 inspection we have worked hard to address the key issues, such as improvement planning, developing the role of middle leaders and increasing the level of challenge for our more able pupils.

“Ofsted has recognised the progress we have made and that the school is securely placed to improve further. However I know that there are still improvements to be made.

The inspectors reported that they are confident that the school is securely placed to improve further.”

Strengths identified at the school were the teaching of year leaders, the way the senior leadership team and governing body are tackling remaining areas for improvement and the achievements of the most-able pupils.

The report said: “Pupils’ attitudes to learning are excellent. They get on well together and behaviour in lessons and around the school is good.”

Mrs Rawling added: “We are keen to continue working alongside our parents and carers and have them invited to a meeting at school on Monday to discuss the report with them.”

Helen Keedy, chairman of governors, said: “The inspectors recognised that the strengthened senior leadership team and governing body have begun to tackle the remaining areas for improvement well. The full governing body will ensure that Holy Trinity School continues to strive to provide the best education for its pupils.”

  • MRS Rawling said that an assistant headteacher will be appointed in January to address the report’s criticism that ‘lengthy absence’ of some senior and middle leaders impeded improvement priorities.

Mrs Rawling added that to address the impediment of improvement caused by the absence of middle leaders regular meetings are also being held with Dorset County Council.

The school is working with a local school judged as ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted, using experienced staff to support less experienced staff and doing training with the Chesil Education Partnership.