The two schools involved in Norfolk's first management partnership between a primary and high school have both had positive Ofsted reports following inspections within a week of each other.

The two schools involved in Norfolk's first management partnership between a primary and high school have both had positive Ofsted reports following inspections within a week of each other.

Denise Walker, who has been headteacher at Methwold High, near Thetford, for the last four years, also became the head of nearby Hockwold Primary in January.

Both schools have achieved a “satisfactory” grade for overall effectiveness in their recent Ofsted reports following visits by inspectors to Methwold High in the beginning of March and Hockwold Primary at the end of February.

The report for Hockwold Primary especially praised the new partnership.

It said: “Since the management partnership, there has been a renewed sense of urgency in relation to improving teaching and learning, developing a more interesting and stimulating curriculum and raising standards.

“The headteacher provides good leadership and clear, purposeful direction to school improvement. Together with members of the new leadership team and governors, a clear vision for the school has been developed and staff and pupils are excited by the focus on learning and opportunities for improvement.

“Much work has been done in a short time and there has been recent rapid progress.”

One of the points that inspectors suggested could help Hockwold Primary improve further was raising standards in maths and science by improving pupils' investigation and inquiry skills.

Methwold High was described as a “rapidly improving school” in its Ofsted report.

The inspector said: “The headteacher has a very clear vision for how the school should develop and is committed to providing a well-rounded and balanced education for all students.”

Among the points highlighted for improvement were a focus on raising the achievement of boys and improving pupils' performance in humanities subjects.

Mrs Walker said: “To receive two Ofsted inspections within a week of each other made for an extremely busy time.

“However, both schools have so much to be proud of that it was equally an opportunity for staff and students to showcase their efforts. To have received two positive reports by Ofsted is very rewarding. This provides an excellent foundation for us to achieve further success.”

t Methwold High is opening up its new tennis courts to the public. Three all-weather courts are available for hire from 5pm to 10pm Monday to Friday, and from 10am to 4pm at the weekend.

For more information and to book a court contact Methwold High School on 01366 728333.