GOVERNMENT inspectors have rated a Bournemouth primary school as Good just a year after a new Principal took the reins.

Pupils, parents and staff have joined Principal Jeremy Payne in celebrating the result at St James' in Christchurch Road, Pokesdown, following a visit from Ofsted inspectors.

St James’ is a Church of England Academy and forms part of the Portsmouth and Winchester Diocesan Academies Trust.

The report endorses the approach Mr Payne has taken, with the support and guidance of the Trust, during this period.

It says pupils are provided with 'a rich learning environment’ and notes improvements in the way maths and English are taught.

Inspectors said staff are dedicated and said ‘pupils are engaged in their learning and ready and keen to be challenged.’

Mr Payne told the Daily Echo: "We’re really pleased that the hard work of staff and pupils has been officially recognised by the inspector. I’m deeply proud of the whole team, who have worked so tirelessly to make sure that our children get the best possible start in life. I also want to thank the parents for their continual support."

Jeff Williams, Director of Education for the Winchester and Portsmouth Dioceses, added: "I’ve been immensely impressed by the great work that Jeremy and his team have undertaken at the academy, and this Ofsted report rightly acknowledges their achievements.

"I’m particularly proud that Ofsted chose to specifically commend the respect and tolerance displayed by pupils, values which are underpinned by the Christian ethos of the academy. I know that St James’ will continue to go from strength to strength under Jeremy’s wise stewardship and with the support of the Trust."