A village primary school once branded the worst-achieving for seven-year-olds in the country has now been awarded its first two 'outstanding' grades from inspectors.

It continues the remarkable turnaround being achieved at Hersden school which was once dogged by inadequate reports and hit rock bottom 12 years ago.

In 2014, the school began its improvement with an overall 'good' rating and that continues in its latest report by Ofsted. But now both its effectiveness of leadership and management and early years provision are further considered outstanding.

The report follows an inspection in March and praises the Stour Academy Trust which runs the school and staff for their "steely determination" and "robust and unwavering" strategy to drive improvements.

Pupils are said to be a "credit to the school" where they are welcoming , friendly and polite.

"They have very positive attitudes to learning and are enthusiastic in all they do," says the report.

But inspectors also feel that challenges set for pupils are not always sufficiently demanding for them to achieve what they are capable of.

"Too few pupils, particularly but not only the most able, achieve the higher standards by the end of key stage 2," they report.

But of its early years provision, inspectors say: “Children have an excellent start to education in the early years. Children are nurtured, thrive and make strong progress from their starting points."

Trust chief executive Simon O'Keefe said “I am tremendously proud of the children and the staff. This excellent report is testament to their hard work and dedication."

The continuing improvements at the school will be welcomed by families considering moving to the area in new housing developments, including Hoplands Farm.

It is expected to swell school numbers and has prompted a planned expansion with four new classrooms and a library, due to be completed in September 2020.

Unconnected to the inspection, the trust has run into controversy with parents over plans to change the name of the school to reflect the wider community it will serve. Bosses have asked parents for suggestions but many have said they want to keep it the same. A decision is expected before the end of the term.

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