A SCHOOL has been told it must try harder after education watchdogs ruled not enough pupils were making good progress.

Ofsted inspectors will keep an eye on St Stephen’s Primary, in Woodgrove Road, Burnley, to ensure it makes the grade in future.

A visit in January 2013 reported the school was sustaining the ‘good’ rating’ achieved at its last inspection in October 2009.

But leading inspector Emma Jackson believed progress, particularly in writing skills, was insufficient and children did not have enough chances to practice these across different subjects.

Mrs Jackson added: “Teaching requires improvement because it does not always challenge pupils, particularly the most able.”

Teachers have been encouraged to plan lessons to challenge youngsters of all abilities.

Ofsted also says further assistance is needed to ensure ‘decisive action’ is taken so teachers can be held accountable for all pupils making good progress.

Staff were told that reading levels were good and the spiritual, moral and cultural development of pupils was fine.

Mrs Jackson said: “The behaviour of pupils is good. They are polite, well mannered and play well together. Pupils have good relationships with each other and adults.”

In the coming months, inspectors will return to assess whether improvements have been made.

Headteacher Ian Wilson said: “While we acknowledge we need to improve in some areas, we are pleased to note Ofsted identified many strengths.

“We were particularly pleased the inspectors noted that children enjoy coming to school, their behaviour is good, children feel safe and are making good progress in reading.

“We have just received Key Stage 2 results which show children in Year 6 are making excellent progress in numeracy and literacy.”