A SCHOOL which becamewas turned into an academy after it was placed into special measures has had its rating improved by government watchdogs.

Templars Academy, in Cressing Road, Witham, has been rated good in all five key areas following an recent Ofsted inspection.

The school becamewas turned into an academy after it was rated ‘inadequate’ back in 2016.

Following the inspection back in April earlier this year, the school was praised for the quality of teaching on offer and support available to “disadvantaged” pupils.

Head of school Emma Johnstone said: “We are obviously very proud. The report has said a lot of lovely things and reflects the hard work we have done in the past few years.

“We have high expectations. The staff and children have really raised the standards.

“There is always something special about Templars and it is a great place to be.

“It’s become a very calm and professional school and we have had a lot of good feedback from parents of late.”

Despite the good rating, inspectors say the school should look to provide added support for children with special educational needs.

Templars says it has appointed a new co-ordinator who will look to make the necessary improvements from September.

The start of the new academic year will also see the nursery at Templars welcome children as young as two.

The Department for Education gave the school the all-clear to lower its minimum age from three earlier this year.

Mrs Johnstone added: “It’s a really important part of what we do as it is helping parents in the local community.

“It is also a good way to get children into the school at an early age and we hope they will stay with us until they leave in Year 6.

“We are delighted to be able to extend our nursery age further and know it is badly needed in the area as there are very few options for parents.”