A Sheerness school is making “reasonable” progress towards exiting special measures.

St Edward’s Catholic Primary, in New Road, was rated as inadequate by Ofsted in March 2013.

It was deemed to have serious weaknesses in the achievement of its 210 pupils, quality of teaching and leadership and management.

A third monitoring inspection since it was told to improve was carried out between March 12 and 13 which found the school is now on the right path.

It follows two previous visits in July and December which found it was not meeting expected targets.

The report states: “Some pupils are catching up on previous lost ground and gaps are beginning to close.”

The inspector added: “Although the quality of teaching is improving, there is not enough permanent, good teaching to make sure that pupils learn consistently well.”

There have been several staff changes since the December visit.

The reception tutor has left and the class is taught by a temp who is supported one day a week by an experienced Early Years Foundation Stage teacher from another school.

Another staff member left at the end of term last week.

One of the seconded teachers from St Peter’s Catholic School, Sittingbourne, which was federated with St Edward’s until late last year, has returned and the other will be doing in July.

Two staff members on sick leave have been replaced by temps. Recruitment for positions is under way although the school cannot appoint anyone newly-qualified.

An interim improvement board is governing the school, which will convert into an academy as part of the Kent Catholic Schools’ Partnership in September.

Executive head teacher Amanda Woolcombe, who was highlighted for providing a “well-defined structure for improving teaching and learning”, said: “We have been making changes in the way pupils are taught as well as how the school is managed – and it has been good to see that these changes are making a difference.

“The teamwork of the school’s senior leaders, governors, the local authority and diocese has been recognised as helping to take the school forward.

“Everyone who is involved with the school knows that there is plenty of work still to do and no room for complacency. However, it is good to know that we have the right foundation for future success.”