A SCHOOL that was scolded for not preparing pupils for ‘modern life’ has hauled itself out of special measures.

The head of Rose Hill Primary School said she has been ‘heartened’ by a hugely positive Ofsted report, almost two years after being slapped with the education watchdog’s worst rating.

The previously ‘inadequate’ Oxford school, which teaches more than 300 pupils, is now rated ‘good’ in three of five categories and ‘requires improvement’ overall.

A report published by inspectors this week said: “The headteacher has set an aspirational tone yet has also ensured Rose Hill is a school where everyone is welcome without exception.

“Morale is high and staff build strong, caring relationships with pupils, striving to ensure that they achieve well.”

In January 2016 the school, in The Oval, was put into special measures - a status given to poorly-performing schools.

Such schools are closely monitored and assigned an action plan to encourage improvements.

The report last year found pupils were ‘not prepared well enough for life in modern Britain.’

Headteacher Sue Vermes hit out at Ofsted after the report, writing to its chief inspector to complain of ‘uninhibited negativity’.

Welcoming the new report, published after a visit in October, she said: “I feel very heartened.

“We’ve worked so hard to develop behaviour and welfare.

“We’ve got a wonderful team who are very committed - we have really come a long way.”

She said negative terminology used by Ofsted last year was ‘incredibly unhelpful’, and said one pupil asked if the rating meant he was ‘inadequate’ too.

Concerns raised in 2016 included that staff were not properly trained on preventing extremism.

The new report states: “Staff receive regular training to raise their awareness of risks, such as radicalisation, to pupils.”

It praises the school for championing e-safety in IT classes.

Inspectors added: “Leaders have ensured there is a culture of care for each individual and support is readily available to all families, especially those with greatest need.

“Pupils walk sensibly around the school, hold doors open for others and smile as they go.

“The school is a calm, cheerful and welcoming environment.”

Quality of teaching and pupil outcomes were rated ‘requires improvement’, as inspectors found teaching was not yet consistent.

They also stressed a need to simplify current improvement plans.

After its earlier rating the school was ordered to convert into an academy, meaning it would be run by a multi-academy trust instead of Oxfordshire County Council.

Mrs Vermes said the school remains ‘in limbo’ because it is yet to find a willing trust to take it on, especially because the building itself is crying out for repair.

She said: “It needs major refurbishment - it is a very old, grotty building. It is useable and children are happy here, but sponsors will think about how much they will have to spend.”

Works to the roof and windows would cost about £1m, with more needed to improve accessibility.

The county council’s cabinet member for education, Hilary Hibbert-Biles, said the report was a ‘really encouraging sign’.

She added:”Staff, pupils and their families deserve great credit for their ongoing efforts.”