THE headteacher of a gradually improving primary school said Ofsted inspectors will see a “real and positive difference” next time they visit.

The Government’s education watchdog inspected Horndon-on-the-Hill Primary School in July, shortly before the summer break, and found it to “require improvement”.

In their report, inspectors laid into inconsistent teaching, work not being challenging enough for pupils and a period of unstable leadership which the school has recently come through.

It did say, however, that unvalidated 2013 test results showed signs of improvement in maths and reading while behaviour and pupil safety are judged to be good.

The report added a new headteacher is “having a positive impact in providing a clearer vision about the direction and ethos of the school”.

Travis Martinson took charge of the school in January and has been credited with the gradual improvements after 2012 national test results showed that pupils were struggling with maths.

Ofsted inspectors said to improve further, the school needs to plan work that is more challenging for pupils, use pupil performance data to plan lessons that specifically address pupils’ known areas of weakness rather than on the school’s programme of study and ensure subject leaders “robustly monitor” teachers.

Mr Martinson said: “It was pleasing to see the inspectors noted how things are really improving at the school and I am absolutely confident that when they return they will see a real and positive difference.”

Cllr John Kent, the council’s portfolio holder for education, said: “Inspectors noted how support from the local authority has helped the school ‘regain its momentum and improve provision’.

“We want to work with all the schools in Thurrock to get the best possible for our young people.”