A WINCHESTER primary school has been told it needs to improve by inspectors.

Ofsted inspectors rated South Wonston Primary School – where a third of the 307 pupils on the roll are from service families - as “requires improvement” after a visit last February.

The report said not enough pupils had made sufficiently good progress over time.

As a result, standards in English and maths – as show by SATs results - at the end of year six were below the national average.

Inspectors said quality of teaching was “too variable” and needed to improve.

But they praised the leadership and management of the school as good, saying headteacher Jane Bundy had helped get the school firmly back on track.

The report said: “There is clear evidence of significant improvements since the previous inspection. Teaching is improving rapidly and major weaknesses have been largely eliminated.

“The Early Years Foundation stage and behaviour, both previously judged to be satisfactory, are now good.”

The overall behaviour and safety of pupils was also judged to be good in lessons and around the school.

Inspectors said: “Pupils have a positive attitude to learning and enjoy being at school, as reflected in the above average rates of attendance.”

Ms Bundy said: “Although we are disappointed with the “requires improvement” rating we are delighted the inspectors recognised the significant improvements that have been achieved by the school over the last two years.

“The inspectors confirmed we have made rapid progress and we will continue to implement our plans for further improvement.

“South Wonston is a thriving school community and we take pride in the high levels of satisfaction expressed by our parents as well as the fact our children feel safe and enjoy their learning.”

South Wonston Primary School has an above average proportion of pupils who are disabled and those with special educational needs.

And the number receiving the pupil premium is also higher because the school can claim the extra cash for service children who may be educationally disadvantaged by frequently moving schools.

The primary school was previously rated “satisfactory” by Ofsted. This grade has been renamed “requires improvement.”