A PRIMARY school in Bury has climbed up one category in its latest Ofsted inspection.

Rapid improvements have seen Holy Trinity Primary School move from inadequate to requires improvement.

Headteacher Marcus Elder said he was delighted that Ofsted recognised the progress they had made so far and said further steps are being taken to continue the school's upward journey.

In the latest report, following a two-day inspection in October, Ofsted rated the school as requires improvement in three of five assessed categories.

But provision for early years as well as personal development, behaviour and welfare were rated as good.

Inspectors found reading standards at the Cecil Street school were not high enough.

They said: "The legacy of underachievement means that pupils in key stage 2 typically do less well than those in key stage 1.

"Younger pupils' phonics skills are typically less advanced than in other schools.

"Teaching is not good enough to ensure that pupils do as well as possible. New approaches to teaching mathematics and reading are at a relatively early stage."

Overall effectiveness at the school, as well as the effectiveness of leadership and management, and the quality of teaching, learning and assessment were rated as requires improvement.

The school was urged to review its new approaches to teaching reading and mathematics, sharpen school improvement planning targets, support staff at all levels and share about effective work.

But Holy Trinity was hailed for its Christian ethos and its leaders were described as active and committed.

Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector David Selby determined that the school no longer requires significant improvement.

Their report said: "Since the previous inspection, there has been rapid improvement in teaching and pupils’ progress. Results have improved significantly.

"In writing, disadvantaged pupils do as well as others. Leaders, staff and governors work hard and with increasing effectiveness.

"Despite the challenges that the school has recently faced, staff morale remains high, and staff continue to be willing to take on new tasks and responsibilities to provide the best for pupils.

"The improvement to the school has been driven by the clear and open leadership of the headteacher who is well supported by the deputy headteacher and other colleagues."

The school thanked parents for their support and the positive comments shared with Ofsted inspectors.

Mr Elder said: "Everyone at Holy Trinity is delighted by the report and the progress that we are making.

"We are pleased that the inspectors clearly recognised the hard work and commitment of our staff, governors and others in the school community.

"They noted the progress we are making to improve the school and raise the attainment of our pupils.

"Holy Trinity is a positive and caring school and everyone is proud of what we have achieved.

"We recognise that we still have further to go on our journey and will work hard to act on the priorities that Ofsted have given us."