A struggling school is making “reasonable progress” after being criticised by inspectors, but it remains in special measures.

John Bunyan Junior School, in Lancaster Way, Braintree, was branded inadequate by Ofsted in a report published in January.

Headteacher Amanda Woolmer left the school in December, with her duties being taken on by Deborah Bailey, who leads the neighbouring infant school.

In a letter to Mrs Bailey, published last Thursday, Ofsted inspector Michelle Winter acknowledged teaching standards were improving.

She said: “Leaders have addressed inadequate teaching successfully.

“Classroom environments have improved. They are more orderly and stimulating places to learn.“

But inspectors found teachers were still not adapting lessons to suit differing abilities, and said marking comments were not always helpful to pupils, after visiting the school in March.