EDUCATION inspectors have rated Yate International Academy satisfactory.

Ofsted said the academy could not be classed as good because primary provision, which was launched when Woodlands Primary School intergrated last year, was not as effective as secondary teaching.

Lead inspector Christopher Russell said education for 11 to 18-years-old had improved.

"The academy’s secondary provision is now good," he said. "Students are well taught. GCSE examination results have improved and students make particularly strong progress in English. The sixth form is satisfactory but improving quickly."

But he said primary school lessons, although improving, were not all of the same standard.

"The academy’s primary provision is now securely satisfactory," said Mr Russell. "It has improved rapidly in the eight months since it became part of the academy. Primary teaching is improving, although it is still variable in quality.

"Primary pupils are increasingly achieving more; they achieve most in reception and Year 6."

He added: "This is a caring and inclusive academy; staff are committed to meeting the needs of every pupil. The academy’s growing effectiveness is reflected in its increasing popularity."

The report said the academy’s hearing impaired resource base was outstanding.

However, inspectors may carry out a monitoring visit before the next full inspection to check it continues to improve.

Yate is the first all-through academy n South Gloucestershire with pupils ranging in age from four to 19.

Principal Roger Gilbert said: "This is a very strong inspection report. The academy’s staff worked extremely hard to ensure continuous progression and improvement across all stages of education and I am thrilled to see this effort feed through into our Ofsted results." Rob Gibson, chief executive principal, said: "The sentiments expressed in the Ofsted report not only reflect the hard work and commitment of all the staff but are a validation of the good educational provision for pupils and students against a backdrop of rapidly improving results."

The academy was told to improve the effectiveness of primary provision by eliminating any inadequate teaching by July this year and ensuring lessons are matched to pupils’ ability.