EDUCATION chiefs have praised leaders for making huge strides to improve a once struggling school.

Ofsted carried out a follow-up visit at Battle Primary Academy after the school received a 'requires improvement' rating from the watchdog in November 2016.

Concerns were raised about the quality of teaching, pupil outcomes and low expectations of staff during the routine inspection.

However, the school is said to be making substantial progress under the leadership of Nathan Butler-Broad since he joined Battle in September last year.

The monitoring visit, conducted by Elizabeth Farr, found a number of improvements and agreed that the quality of teaching was improving 'steadily'.

Ms Farr said: "The school has undergone a period of significant change. In the summer term. the interim headteacher resigned and there was significant adjustment to local governance arrangements.

"Since your appointment a renewed drive to get back on track has enveloped the school, built on higher expectations and a shared determination to improve.

"You have now set the school’s improvement journey firmly back on course, stating your vision to lead the school to new heights plainly.

"Leaders, governors and trustees recognise that the school is in a critical phase, where maintaining the momentum and building on the improvements already started are the top priorities.

"Standards in reading, writing and mathematics are still too low and more is needed for all pupils to catch up."

Sponsored by the NET Academies Trust, the primary school on Cranbury Road houses more than 400 pupils.

The 2016 inspection identified weaknesses in outcomes and an inequality in success between boys and girls.

Mr Butler-Broad added: "I am delighted to have started as the new head teacher and feel privileged to be the leader of such a vibrant and diverse school.

"As a local resident, I care deeply about this community and I am determined to lead the school to new heights and foster a culture in which all the children are nurtured and challenged as learners and individuals.

"We have a dedicated team of staff and benefit from the excellent support offered by NET and its long established links to educational research."