'UNSWERVING' ambition has seen an 'inadequate' East Oxford school impress Ofsted after making rapid improvements.

Larkrise Primary School was given the regulator's worst rating in June and placed in special measures, after concerns were raised about 'volatile' behaviour and a raft of staff changes.

The 431-pupil community school in Boundary Brook Road had previously been rated 'good', and has since shown determination to regain its reputation.

A new letter from Ofsted, published last week following a monitoring visit, stated: "Leaders have wasted no time in tackling the areas for improvement identified at the previous inspection.

"The newly-appointed headteacher has brought much-needed rigour and ambition to leading improvements at Larkrise and much has been achieved in the short time since the school was judged inadequate.

"She is supported ably by the deputy headteacher. They share a strong determination to improve standards of education and pupils’ achievements."

The letter was addressed to Larkrise's headteacher Fi McGregor, who took up post just before the 'inadequate' report was published.

It added that school leaders are 'ambitious' and 'not complacent', adding: "They demonstrate unswerving commitment and are resolute in their drive to make Larkrise a good school.

"Leaders acted swiftly and successfully to improve how adults dealt with some pupils’ volatile behaviour.

"Pupils told inspectors that classrooms are now much calmer and that they feel safe and happy at school.

"There are promising signs that the quality of teaching and learning is beginning to improve."

The school was forced to become an academy due to the rating, and has now announced that it will become part of the River Learning Trust in early 2019.

The multi-academy trusts is one of the largest in Oxfordshire and oversees schools including The Cherwell School in Summertown and the forthcoming Swan School in Marston.

Ms McGregor said: "We found the monitoring visit collaborative and constructive and it gave us a valuable opportunity to reflect on our plans and progress.

"We are delighted that the inspectors recognised that we have achieved a great deal in a very short time.

"We remain dedicated to maintaining the rapid improvement rate and we are committed to ensuring our school provides the best possible education all our pupils."

She said the period had been 'challenging' and thanked parents, carers, staff and governors for their support.

A statement released by the school's co-chairs of governors, Paul Stockdale and Sarah McHugh, said they were 'delighted' by Ofsted's latest feedback.

They added: "Comments surrounding our effective safeguarding and improving outcomes are particularly pleasing.

"We would like to thank Ms McGregor and her team for the resilience and amazing dedication they have shown.

"We are focused on supporting and challenging the school to improve outcomes for all pupils. We are confident the rapid progress Ofsted has seen will continue."

Since the earlier report, the school has recruited nine new teachers, six members of support staff and strengthened its governing board.

Ofsted's letter said governors are 'ambitious to support and challenge leaders more successfully' to ensure pupils achieve, and that Oxfordshire County Council - which currently runs the school - is providing 'good-quality support for leaders'.

The letter did not award a new rating as it was not based on a 'full' inspection, but concluded that school leaders are taking effective action towards the removal of special measures.