A school that recently featured in a Netflix drama has been awarded a 'good' rating for the first time since being slammed by Ofsted for 'losing its way'.

St Elisabeth's Church of England School in Reddish, Stockport, has made massive improvements since it was rated 'inadequate' in 2019 and 'requires improvement' in 2024.

The primary school was taken over by Thrive Academy Trust in 2019 after its predecessor school was downgraded from 'outstanding' in a damning rating by inspectors. The old report slammed its 'ineffective' leadership, 'unskilled' teachers, and found kids were left 'unprepared for high school'.

Since then, under new headteacher Amanda Lancashire, the school has worked hard to turn around its reputation. In a recently issued Ofsted report, inspectors commended staff's 'unswerving commitment' and 'high ambition', with kids now generally thought to be achieving well.

Lead inspector Nichola Tomkow particularly praised the school's early years provisions, where youngsters 'get off to a flying start in a warm and caring environment'.

The report also said: "Each morning, St Elisabeth's Church of England Primary School's playground is a hive of activity. From the moment they arrive, staff encourage pupils to believe in themselves, work hard and aim high.

"Learning is practical, interactive and connected to real-life experiences. Staff encourage pupils to ask questions, think independently and work collaboratively with others."

The school, which looks after around 240 pupils, was also praised for its work with children with SEND, and has above the national average percentage of pupils with additional needs.

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Deputy head teacher Jo Mullen, who has been with the school since 2001, told the LDRS: "We've been on a rapid journey of keeping our family feel while also driving improvements in standards and attendance. Our children behave beautifully because they want to be here, and we received a strong outcome for inclusion.

"What we're most proud of is that the Ofsted report recognised the dedication of the teachers at this school. Teaching isn't a nine-to-five job. Every member of our staff put the children at the heart of what they do all the time."

The school's Grade II-listed building was recently used as an on-site filming location for Harlan Coben's UK version of The Woods, featuring Tom Bateman, Michelle Keegan, Mandeep Dhillon, and Pearce Quigley. The drama is due to be released early next year.

"It was very exciting," Ms Mullen said, "Though it did cause a bit of confusion! It was filmed over the holidays, but some of the parents and kids spotted them changing all the signage for the film.

"It's also brought in a bit of money for the school, which is being used to fund cultural activities for the kids."