PEMBROKE Primary School has been labelled as ‘adequate’ by government inspectorate, Estyn.

In a report published yesterday, (4th August) Estyn also describes the Bulwark school’s prosp-ects for improvement as ‘unsatisfactory’.

While the school’s current performance is given an ‘adequate’ rating for reasons listed such as: “Most pupils behave well and feel safe in school,” and “in literacy and mathematical development, most pupils achieve the expected outcome,” Estyn listed reasons such as: “Across the school, too many pupils do not develop the ability to write at length,” and “teachers across the school do not plan progressive, well-co-ordinated learning experinces,” as reasons for being concerned for the school’s future.

The inspectorate has recommended that as a matter of urgency, a strategic leadership of the school is achieved.

It states: “Although there is currently an innovative leadership structure in place as part of the Chepstow Primary Alliance, in the recent past, there have been significant changes to the school’s leadership. During this period of turbulence, the school was unsuccessful in identifying and sustaining impr-ovement priorities and improving outcomes.

“As a result, roles and responsibilities lack clarity and this is a barrier to improving important areas that require change, for example in co-ordinating curriculum development across the school.

“At the time of the inspection, the sustainable leadership of the school and the future involvement of the alliance from the start of the 2015-2016 academic year are unclear.”

It has also asked the school to “ensure that the provision for developing pupils’ skills is progressive and co-ordinated across the school,” and to “improve the effectiveness of the governing body”.

The report adds: “In accordance with the Education Act 2005, Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector (HMCI) is of the opinion that this school is in need of significant improvement.

“The school will draw up an action plan, which shows how it is going to address the recommendations.

“Estyn will monitor the school’s progress about 12 months after the publication of this report.”

Pembroke Primary School currently has 283 pupils.