A headteacher has commended his dedicated staff as a West Watford primary school came step closer to achieving outstanding status.

John Fowler’s comments came after an Ofsted report rated Holywell Primary School as "good", saying it had made improvements since its previous inspection when it was rated “satisfactory”.

The inspector’s report highlighted “a relentless focus on improving teaching has successfully reversed the history of underachievement.”

Ofsted gives all schools a rating of one to four, with one being "outstanding", two "good", three "requires improvement" and four "inadequate".

In the Ofsted report it was noted that the Tolpits Lane school was not "outstanding" as further improvements needed to be made in pupils’ writing, as there were not enough opportunities given to students to write in other subjects.

It was also noted that further improvements could be made to strengthen "the school’s current marking and feedback systems to provide more opportunities for pupils to reflect upon and improve their learning".

Inspectors observed 33 part lessons, including three joint observations with the headteacher, on the May 9 and 10.

Mr Fowler, who has been headteacher for three years, said: "I’ve been very fortunate to have been able to appoint really dedicated staff who are totally committed to the children here.

"They put in so many hours - they’re really unbelievable and are absolutely key to us attaining this new rating."

The school is marked in four areas. In the categories of "achievement of pupils", "quality of teaching" and "leadership and management", it received "goods".

However, the "behaviour and safety of pupils" was considered "outstanding".

The report added: "attendance has significantly improved and the school works very well with parents and families to help them support their children’s learning".

Mr Fowler said: "We want to provide the children with a quality learning environment. If you give children quality then you get quality back.

"We’ve also spent a lot of time working with our parents so they can engage with their children’s learning."

New facilities have been added to the school over the past year, with a new library currently being installed, which will act as a computer learning centre enabling children to learn more interactively.

The school’s chair of governors, Irvin Needle, said: "This report marks a huge step forward compared with past inspections. It demonstrates the significant progress that has been made in all aspects of school life in the past three years."

Mr Needle added: "You can be assured that the school will not stand still. Our ambition is to build on this success and move the school from good to outstanding. I am confident that, working in partnership with parents and carers, this will be achieved."

Mr Fowler, who is currently on his third headship, said: "It’s taken three years to get to where we are. The aim now is to use this new rating as a springboard to attain that outstanding grade."