The school was awarded a satisfactory rating with a mark of three for its overall effectiveness and three for its capacity for sustained improvement. A score of one is outstanding, two is good, three satisfactory and four inadequate.

The inspectors particularly picked up on the lack of progress in maths and English among the oldest children in the school.

But the report went on to say: “Senior leaders have, through the self-evaluation process, a clear understanding of what needs to be done to move the school on and have made important improvements.

“These improvements are rapidly increasing progress and lifting attainment. A drive for higher expectations has been communicated successfully to all staff and new initiatives are already having an impact on achievement in English and mathematics, ensuring that pupils make satisfactory progress.”

Mr Upton, who has been at the school for two years, said: “We are making improvements to teaching and learning in both English and maths. We are improving the way we make ongoing assessments so that we can tell the children what they are doing well and what they need to do next.”

Mr Upton said St Paul’s prides itself on its family atmosphere. “We are a warm and friendly school, where children are seen as more than a set of data,” he added.