A primary school has been rated 'good' in all areas in its first Ofsted inspection since becoming an academy.

St Monica Primary School in Bay Road, Sholing, was inspected on March 4 and 5.

The school, which has 357 pupils aged four to 11, converted to an academy in 2022 and joined the Inspire Learning Partnership multi-academy trust.

Ofsted inspectors praised the school for its positive learning environment, dedicated staff, and strong leadership.

The school was found to be highly ambitious for all pupils, with high expectations for what they can achieve.

The report said: "Since opening as an academy, the school has improved rapidly.

"The staff are dedicated.

"They appreciate the support they receive to manage their workload successfully.

"The school is highly ambitious for all pupils.

"Throughout the curriculum, the school has identified the key knowledge and skills it wants pupils to learn."

Ofsted also highlighted the support from parents, stating: "Parents are overwhelmingly supportive.

"They appreciate the hard work of the whole staff team and the support from the academy trust.

"One parent summarised the thoughts of others, saying, 'It is clear to see that the staff have been working constantly to improve things for everyone... the school has gone from strength to strength'."

Claire Lowe, chief executive of Inspire Learning Partnership, said: "This outcome, with a good rating across the board, is a result of the collaborative work we do across our schools.

"We are so proud of St Monica's progress and how they have embraced the support and expertise available through our partnership.

"Together, we can build on these successes and ensure further improvements."

Principal Hayley Clark said: "We are delighted to see the progress we have made in our teaching and learning.

"The staff at St Monica are incredibly reflective and are always striving to improve.

"The success of this inspection reflects the collective commitment of the entire school community to providing the best possible education for our pupils."

The school was also commended for its support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, with inspectors noting that these pupils’ needs are identified early and provisions are expertly adapted to ensure they thrive.