HARD work and dedication have paid off for a school following an Ofsted inspection.

Maldon Primary School has improved from its previous 'inadequate' rating and has achieved a 'good' grade in its latest Ofsted report.

The school, managed by the Kemnal Academies Trust, was rated as good in all areas for the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision.

In the Ofsted report, inspectors started by saying the school “has been on a rapid and sustainable journey of improvement.”

Leaders at the school were said to “identify and iron out issues quickly” in order to improve them.

Teachers have "grown in confidence" following the improvements to develop the curriculum, which gave them access to training, plans, resources and assessment materials.

However, some pupils were said to have gaps in their knowledge because “they did not experience the same ambitious curriculums before this school year”.

There are now systems in place in order for the school to improve further.

The inspectors said: “Leaders should train staff in how to support pupils effectively to learn key concepts they have missed out on.”

The final point was to improve on offering more opportunities for children to learn and practise key skills.

The inspectors said: “Leaders should ensure that staff have the skills they need to address pupils’ barriers to learning efficiently and well.”

Headteacher Debbie Conroy believes the improvement is down to the dedication of the staff, children, parents and governors.

She said: "I am incredibly proud that the improvements made at Maldon have been recognised by Ofsted.

“This achievement is as a result of the hard work and dedication of our committed staff, an amazing group of children and a supportive community of parents and governors.

“Moving forward, we will continue to develop and improve the school alongside our families and local community."

Trust chief exec Dr Karen Roberts added: “It is a true testament to the work of Debbie and her team that the school has had such a positive inspection.

“I’m looking forward to seeing how Maldon Primary School continues to grow and develop to support its students.”