A SCHOOL is celebrating after jumping from 'requires improvement' to 'good' in its latest Ofsted inspection.

The education watchdog said pupils at St Mary's CE Middle School in Puddletown "enjoy their learning" and are "keen to do well."

It follows an inspection of the school in 2017 when Ofsted said the school required improvement in all areas, particularly its teaching of science, English and maths.

The watchdog had also urged the school to improve the attendance of its disadvantaged pupils.

In their latest visit to the school in September this year, inspectors reported that improvements had been made and "good team work is evident in every aspect of the school."

The report said: "Pupils’ health, well-being and success is at the heart of the school. Leaders offer a rich and varied curriculum to pupils.

"Pupils behave very well. No pupil speaks out of turn. They listen attentively to teachers and each other.

"Those in charge of safeguarding take their roles very seriously. They make sure pupils are safe, especially those who are most at risk."

In a post to parents on the school's website, head of school Darren Ayling said he is "delighted" with the report.

Mr Ayling wrote: "We are pleased that the inspectors recognised the many improvements from the last inspection and that we were able to move out of the 'requires improvement' category.

"Thank you to all of the staff, pupils, parents, governors, trustees and other friends of the school for their help and support during the inspection."

As well as being praised for their progress, leaders at the school have been urged to make further improvements to the way humanities and English subjects are organised.

Inspectors also said some lower-ability pupils in Year 6 are not receiving the right help and have asked teachers to check the suitability of their pupils' reading books.