A YATE primary school is celebrating its first improved Ofsted report since amalgamating three years ago.

Tyndale Primary School, in Cranleigh Court Road, has had its rating from the education watchdog increased from satisfactory in 2011 to good, the second highest grade possible.

Lead inspector Marianne Phillips said: "Achievement for all groups of pupils is improving rapidly, particularly in reading.

"From very low starting points, many pupils including those whose circumstances make them vulnerable, are making better than expected progress."

The school, which has a higher than average percentage of children who have free school meals, was formed in 2009 following the amalgamation of Cranleigh Court Infants School and Fromebank Junior School.

In its first inspection as a new school last June, Ofsted said new headteacher Ross Newman, who had only been in post for a matter of months, had already brought some much-needed stability to the school, which had previously seen several changes in leadership.

In this new report, Ms Phillips added: "The strong leadership of the headteacher, other leaders and governors, has brought about marked improvement since the previous inspection.

"Teaching is monitored rigorously and the focus upon learning is a strength. Regular training for all staff, linked to school priorities, has improved performance over a sustained period and helped to accelerate pupils’ progress.

"Pupils have good attitudes to learning. Their behaviour is good and they enjoy coming to school."

Mr Newman said the school, which has 215 pupils on the roll, had been working tirelessly to improve and everyone was thrilled with the improved rating.

"We have done a huge amount to improve pupils’ standards, the quality of teaching and provision children are getting," he said.

"We have also done a lot of work on behaviour and spent money painting the school and children are now proud to be part of the school family and proud of their school."

He added: "We have been on this journey and now we really need to embed that to make the school really good. We want to make sure our practices are maintained."

The school was told it needs to continue to improve pupil attainment which remains below average. Teachers were told to concentrate on raising pupils’ standards of writing, which are not as good as reading and mathematics, although the school was said to have focused upon this since the previous inspection and is improving.