A SCHOOL where Year 6 pupils’ grades were “not good enough” has been criticised by Ofsted.

Carr Junior School was ordered to improve in all areas by inspectors, despite the primary previously being rated good.

Ofsted visited the school last month and found that although results were improving, the quality of teaching varied between classes.

The report said: “The head teacher cares deeply about the pupils in her charge and places pupils’ wellbeing at the heart of the school’s ethos. She recognises that, over time, prioritising pupils’ pastoral care has been at the expense of improving pupils’ academic outcomes.”

Inspectors said children enjoy lots of different experiences, but that the school does not tackle “difficult and contemporary issues” such as extremism, radicalisation and gender orientation.

The report also said: “The vast majority of parents are very supportive of the school. However, a small minority of parents are less positive about the school, particularly in the school’s handling of bullying allegations.”

But Ofsted said there is now “considerable investment” in staff training and pupils feel confident that any bullying will be dealt with.

Children were praised for their positive attitudes, good behaviour and hard work.

Head teacher Caroline Ryder said: “Staff and governors are committed to continuing and further developing all aspects of our school. Ofsted acknowledged that we have accurately identified areas of improvement and that the changes we’ve implemented are now leading to rapid improvement.

“These changes include increased learning time and new approaches to, and investment in, the teaching of writing, maths and reading.

“We’ve developed a system to track pupil progress effectively and give support where it’s needed and the inspection report states that pupils take pride in their school and their work. We are committed to continuing to work hard to improve the results and outcomes for all pupils and value the support already received from parents and community."

The school has consulted on plans to become an academy and join South Bank Multi Academy Trust, which includes Millthorpe School, Knavesmire Primary, Scarcroft Primary and Woodthorpe Primary.

Ms Ryder added: “Following a consultation with parents which took place before the inspection, the governing body has agreed to apply to join the South Bank MAT.”