Ofsted has highlighted improvements made at Grange Primary in Gloucester, awarding it a rating of 'Requires Improvement.'

The school, which is part of the newly renamed Multi Academy Trust, Phoenix Learning Alliance, was previously rated as 'Inadequate' when it was inspected in November 2017.

At its most recent visit on January 17 and 18, 2023, Ofsted recognised the many improvements the school has made and updated its judgement to 'Requires improvement' in overall effectiveness and 'Good' for personal development.

During the visit, Ofsted reviewed the school's strengths and areas of development, talking to pupils, staff and trustees. Inspectors conducted detailed reviews of early reading, mathematics, science, history and physical education, sampling lessons and speaking to teachers and pupils about their learning.

Inspectors found Grange to be a caring school with polite, well-mannered pupils who feel safe and try hard to embody the school's values of 'be kind, honest, responsible and respectful' in all they do. Most parents agree their children do well and are happy at school.

Ofsted highlighted the school's ambitious curriculum, which enables pupils to make links between prior and current learning. Reading sits at the centre of the curriculum and teachers read high quality literature to pupils every day, which the children say inspires them to read more by themselves.

The school has invested heavily in early reading and maths, with staff taking care to support pupils at risk of falling behind.

Inspectors commended the school's strong safeguarding culture. Leaders act promptly to concerns about pupils' wellbeing and use their knowledge of local risks to teach pupils how to stay safe.

Ofsted found that the school's leaders and governors know their school well and are clear on what needs to be done to secure further improvements.

Beth Williams, head of school, said: "We are pleased with the outcome of this inspection. It comes as a result of the dedication, team work and commitment of our amazing pupils and the staff, with support from parents, governors and trustees, being recognised by Ofsted.

"We are clear on the steps we need to take to make sure actions identified in the report are addressed as quickly as possible, and we are committed to making this happen. We have already introduced additional staffing to improve attendance, and further training to support pupils with special educational needs."

Kim Hoodless, CEO of the Phoenix Learning Alliance, said: "It is wonderful to see Grange's Ofsted rating improving like this, particularly given the challenges of Covid over the last couple of years.

"I was pleased to see that the school was rated 'Good' for personal development as we work hard to offer clubs and enriching experiences away from the classroom for pupils to enjoy.

"Grange has the right leaders in post, safeguarding is effective and the curriculum is strong. I am confident that we will continue to improve and build upon the progress we have made."

Three schools in the Phoenix Learning Alliance have had Ofsted inspections this academic year and improved by four grades.