Two Shropshire schools, which were given notices to improve, have been praised by Ofsted officials following their latest inspections.

Following its progress the notice to improve has been lifted at Longlands Primary School in Market Drayton, while Bishop’s Castle Community College has also been commended for its work.

In a new Ofsted report inspectors say Longlands Primary School is “on a consistent path of improvement”.

They say it has raised standards to provide “excellent foundations” for the future of pupils.

Inspectors commend how pupils’ behaviour is good, they develop a range of core skills, and lessons overall are “purposeful and engaging”.

Inspectors who visited the school previously in September 2009 judged aspects of the school to be inadequate.

They identified the need to raise pupils’ achievements at the end of years two and six, and the school was given a notice to improve.

Headteachers Kim Stokes and Marie Manton welcomed the new report.

They said: “This report highlights many positive aspects, reflecting the hard work and dedication of staff in bringing about improvements.

“We will all continue to work together to ensure that our school continues to improve and provides the best possible education for the pupils in our care.”

Meanwhile, Bishop’s Castle Community College was told there had to be changes following an inspection in May and an Ofsted inspector visited earlier this month to assess the situation.

In her report, inspector Rashida Sharif said: “Having considered all the evidence I am of the opinion that at this time the college is making satisfactory progress in addressing the issues for improvement and in raising the students’ achievement.”

Sarah Godden, who has been executive headteacher since September, said: “All of us at the community college are very pleased that we’ve had the progress we’re making recognised by our inspection.I’m really pleased to report to parents that we are moving the school forward.”

By James Pugh