CHIPPENHAM NEWS: HEADTEACHER Kieran Loftus says he is determined to keep improving his school after it scooped a successful inspection report.

Pupils and staff at St Patrick's Primary School in Corsham have had a spring in their step this term following the glowing report. But Mr Loftus has already earmarked new targets to further develop the school's curriculum.

The Ofsted report, which came after an inspection in December, highlights the Lacock Road school's many strengths and positive Christian ethos. Inspectors also rated its standards and pupils' attitudes as 'very good' while singling out Mr Loftus' 'very clear educational vision'.

The report summary states: "The school provides good value for money. It has made good progress since

its last inspection five years

ago. Standards have risen in national tests and the quality of teaching

has improved. A new headteacher has been appointed and parents feel that

the school is more vibrant. All the issues identified for improvement by the last inspection have been tackled successfully.

"Currently, with a strong staff team, the school is in a very good position to move forward."

St Patrick's pupils have scored

well above average results in national reading, writing and maths tests

and now Mr Loftus hopes to increase the emphasis on other subjects, including dance.

He said: "I think we did expect to do well.

"We were just pleased to see that our achievements have been acknowledged by a wider audience.

"But there's plenty more to do. We are going to be focussing more now on the humanities and the arts.

"In the next few terms we'll be

looking at developing geography and history."

Elsewhere the report notes that St Patrick's is a 'highly inclusive school' and that its 192 pupils benefited from 'very good extra-curricular provision'. The inspectors did however reveal

the school's work in information and communication technology (ICT)

was 'not sufficiently developed' and that some subject leaders could be more effective.

Mr Loftus said: "I would like to acknowledge and thank all my staff for their dedicated professional approach to their work during what has become to be known as a stressful time for schools.

"At St Patrick's we are committed to continuous improvement and we are very focused on providing the best opportunities for all our pupils to learn effectively.

"Many changes have taken place at the school to improve the curriculum and the environment in which our children learn.

"We are most fortunate to have a parent body whose support for our school is outstanding and our dynamic partnership with them raises funds most effectively."