East Tilbury Primary School and Nursery staff are celebrating after the school was turned around from a ‘Requires Improvement’ to a ‘Good’ rating by Ofsted in its latest inspection.

Head Louise Coates, who took over the reins of the school in September 2013 said she was “thrilled” even though the Ofsted inspection had been “intense.”

The delighted head put the good result down to ‘hard work’ from the whole team.

The East Tilbury Infant and East tilbury Junior Schools on Princess Margaret Road were amalgamated in September 2014 to form East Tilbury Primary School & Nursery.

Mrs Coates said: “I am delighted with the outcome as it celebrates so many strengths that we have in East Tilbury Primary School & Nursery.

“The Inspectors certainly recognised the hard work that has taken place and the changes that have been implemented.

“As the Head teacher, I am very pleased with the report and can’t praise and thank my staff, Local Governing Body and The Trust enough for their hard work and dedication in ensuring we deliver the best for our pupils.”

Inspector Tim Bristow wrote in the report that Mrs Coates and other senior leaders have been very effective in strengthening teaching and achievement.

Insp Bristow praised the “rapid progress” of children in the Early Years Foundation Stage, as well as of the pupils in both Key Stages 1 and 2.

He also said the indicators showed that achievement for all year groups was much stronger than at the time of the last inspection.

The report also noted that pupils’ behaviour was good, children enjoyed coming to school and the school made good provision for students’ social, moral, spiritual welfare, especially the most vulnerable.

Mrs Coates added: “The original schools had both been judged as Requires Improvement by Ofsted and we have worked hard to address the previous issues around standards of teaching and the progress of all groups of children.”

“The inspection was carried out under the new guidance and it was quite an intense experience.

“The report captures the essence of our drive to motivate and inspire children in their learning, we are delighted that our progress in raising standards has been formally recognised.

“I believe the result really recognises the commitment and drive of the whole team at East Tilbury Primary School & Nursery.”

CEO of St Cleres's Co-operative Academy Trust Paul Griffiths was also full of praise for the school and nursery.

Mr Griffiths said: “We are very proud of the excellent progress made by East Tilbury Primary School since they joined our Trust.

“The Headteacher Louise Coates has effectively amalgamated the two previous schools into a primary school and led the school in a Good Ofsted judgement in just two years.'