LEADERS of two Bury schools have been asked to help out at a school battling to regain its “good” rating.

Ross McMurdo, headteacher at Higher Lane Primary School, Whitefield, has announced he is stepping down in August.

Taking over on a part-time basis will be Ian Young, of Christ Church Primary School in Walshaw, and Christine Reynolds, of Unsworth Primary School. Higher Lane governors are aiming to appoint a full-time replacement next January.

In 2007, inspectors from education watchdog Ofsted rated Higher Lane ‘good’ but that dropped to ‘satisfactory’ in 2011, prompting governors to bring in Mr McMurdo as headteacher. He had previously been in charge of East Ward Primary School in Bury and led it out of “special measures”.

Higher Lane showed signs of an improvement at a subsequent Ofsted inspection in 2011 and another report out last week showed the school continued to make progress. In a letter to parents, Mr McMurdo said the decision came after much thought and deliberation.

He added: “I would like to make it clear that my decision has not been taken as a result of the school’s recent Ofsted inspection.

“This has been a very difficult decision to make as I have enjoyed my time here and I am not leaving for any ‘hidden’ reasons.

“I am not taking up another headship elsewhere or taking up any other post at this point.

“I firmly believe that the school is heading in the right direction and plans are in place to continue the improvement. Both Mr Young and Ms Reynolds are experienced headteachers and have a track record of working together.

“They are already spending time in the school and will also be attending a number of forthcoming events.”.

Ofsted inspector Mark Williams carried out a mini inspection of the school on April 30.

His report said: “Senior leaders and governors are taking effective action to tackle the areas requiring improvement.

“Fortnightly checks of pupils’ work is highlighted to leaders, improving consistency in the way teachers mark work and give feedback to pupils.”