A PRIMARY school which was taken over by an academy chain after poor inspection results still needs to improve, according to watchdog Ofsted.

Its inspectors have ruled Merlin Top Primary School in Braithwaite Avenue, Keighley, requires improvement.

However, they note there is evidence that staff are gradually improving the school.

It was the same judgement the school was given when it was last inspected in before becoming an academy in 2013.

Despite the judgement, the school is praised in many areas, and the Northern Education Trust, which runs the academy, said the report was "encouraging".

In November, Shirley Davidson was appointed executive head teacher at the school, which has 324 pupils.

The report points out that the number of disadvantaged children in the school is "well above average".

It also says that last year school results in reading, writing and mathematics were below Government standards.

The report, based on an inspection last month, praises Mrs Davidson's leadership, saying her team has: "Placed a relentless focus on improving the standard of education and raising the aspirations of the entire academy community.

"Decisive action has been taken to tackle under-performance. Poor behaviour is not tolerated and expectations have been raised. Staff morale is high.

"The curriculum and other activities provide ample opportunities to prepare pupils for life in modern Britain."

However, the report raises numerous criticisms, and the school was given the "requires improvement" judgement in every category.

It says: "The new marking policy, which involves giving pupils clear advice about how to improve their work, is not applied consistently by all teachers.

"Until recently, governors have not ensured the pupil premium funding has been used effectively enough to help disadvantaged pupils.

"Pupils’ behaviour requires improvement."

Inspectors suggest the school undertakes an external review of its use of the pupil premium, extra funding given to schools to help improve achievement of disadvantaged pupils.

Mrs Davison said: "I am very pleased with the progress we are already starting to see at Merlin Top but there is still a lot of work to be done.

"It is my intention to take the school forward to a much brighter future where children are confident, get the most out of school life and develop a real passion for learning.”

Ian Kershaw, chief executive of the Northern Education Trust, said: “Shirley is an outstanding head teacher and is well versed in turning the tide in schools that are under-performing.

"We have every confidence that she will continue to make a huge difference and provide exactly the right kind of attention to detail plus the strong, visionary leadership that Merlin Top children deserve.”