A HEAD teacher whose school in Taunton was judged ‘inadequate’ just as she started there has turned things around ahead of schedule.

Priorswood Primary School was taken out of special measures two terms earlier than normal.

Inspectors, who visited three times after concluding it was failing in September 2011, judged it has since made “significant improvements”, which was confirmed in a full OFSTED report in February.

Head teacher Claire Hepher said: “This is wonderful news and I’m delighted for everyone connected with Priorswood.

“It has been a fantastic team effort from our children, staff, parents, Interim Executive Board, new governors, local authority advisors and those who have worked alongside us, such as Local Leaders in Education.

“Everyone feels very proud of the hard work and team effort which have gone into securing the brilliant progress made in many areas of the school.”

Inspectors said Mrs Hepher’s “resolute vision and drive for improvement” had improved the school environment, and led to better learning and teaching with pupils “achieving much better than in the past”.

Pupils were praised as well-behaved, keen to learn, polite, pleasant and welcoming, while the school values everyone and celebrates difference.
Mrs Hepher said: “We continue to have high aspirations for our school and its pupils.

“Conversion to become a member of the Collaborative Academies Trust [which took place on April 1] will help us secure even better improvements for everyone.

“We’re confident that the future of Priorswood is bright and even more successful.”