A SCHOOL says it is determined to regain its status as one of Bolton's finest after going from outstanding to requires improvement.

St Teresa's RC Primary School in Little Lever lost its grade one rating after a visit by school inspectors, who found 'the quality of education at St Teresa's has deteriorated since the previous inspection', adding 'it is no longer outstanding'.

But Ofsted found that leaders 'have not ignored the decline' — and have taken steps to improve teaching and results.

Personal development, behaviour and welfare of pupils, and early years provision at the school was described as good. Effectiveness of leadership and management, quality of teaching, learning and assessment and outcomes for pupils were said to require improvement.

Ofsted said that changes to the national curriculum and revised assessment arrangements, went some way to explaining why the school had declined.

It added: "Nonetheless, leaders’ actions to ensure that teaching remained exceptionally strong, amidst local and national flux, have been too slow. Consequently, teaching and pupils’ outcomes by the end of Key Stage Two are not good enough."

But inspectors said that there was 'much to applaud" about the school's curriculum, which makes learning 'come alive'.

"Photographs collected by the school, and displayed on the website, indicate that the curriculum is highly effective in giving pupils magical memories that they will treasure forever," stated the report.

Governors were described as caring 'passionately' about the school and pupils were said to enjoy school of which they are proud of. Ofsted found that standards were improving.

Headteacher Diane Bohan said: "Whilst we are obviously very disappointed with the outcome of the inspection we are very pleased that the report acknowledges the many strengths of the school.

"We are also pleased that many of the required improvements had been identified and were already under way as part of our school development plan."

She added that the inspector had said there was no reason why the school could not be outstanding again when Ofsted returned.

She said: "The hard-working and dedicated staff and governors are determined to address the areas for improvement and work rigorously towards this goal."

Chairman of Governors Denise Kelly said: "It was a disappointing overall result but we are pleased that our many strengths were also highlighted.

"As always our priority is our wonderful children and we remain focused on ensuring the best outcomes for them."