A new headmaster has vowed to revive the fortunes of a primary school branded “inadequate” by Ofsted more than a decade after the education watchdog’s last visit.

Inspectors visited Seaton Academy in mid-September when Robert Barton had been in post for less than a fortnight.

The last time Ofsted carried out an assessment was more than 12 years ago – before the school became an academy.

Because of its status change, the Academy was initially exempted from routine inspections, with Ofsted admitting in its report that there had been a “longer gap than usual between inspections”.

The headteacher has now assured parents that he has taken decisive action to “halt the decline”, striving to bring in the necessary changes at a “tremendous pace”.

Mr Barton has been in post since September 1 this year and has worked in the education sector for ten years.

He described the report as “disappointing” but stressed that the new leadership team has identified key areas for improvement.

He said: “We accept the report for what it is. However, in the seven weeks since the inspection, the school has moved at a tremendous pace to address the issues identified in the report.

“An inspector visiting the school today would have a very different impression and I have no doubt that we would receive an overwhelmingly positive report.

“September’s Ofsted report in no way reflects where we are now, or the considerable progress that we have made.

“Regrettably, there was not sufficient time to allow these changes to ‘bed in’ and to see this work bear fruit. However, the decisive action taken has prevented the academy being put in ‘Special Measures’ and I am pleased that Ofsted has recognised that we are now heading in the right direction.”

Among the many changes introduced are the creation of a new Leadership Team; the appointment of a new Chair of Governors; the introduction of a new Phonics Program, a new curriculum; and many more school activities.

The Ofsted report said that the new headteacher is beginning to take “appropriate action to improve the curriculum and halt the decline”.

The school is due to hold meetings this week to give parents the opportunity to discuss the report, and the improvements made.

Paul Smith, Chair of Trustees at Seaton Academy, added: “I appreciate that this report will be a cause for concern, though it also highlights many positive aspects of school life.

“The new head had already discussed and identified many of the issues picked up in the report – and was working to address them just days into his tenure”.

Mark Jenkinson MP, who has been working with the school and making representations on their behalf, said: “I have every confidence that Seaton Academy has now turned a corner.

“The new leadership team has been working exceptionally hard to bring about the necessary changes to address these inherited issues.

“Expectations around standards in education change over time – and it is perhaps unsurprising that some of these issues have slipped under the radar after a 12-year inspection hiatus.

“This underscores the importance of regular inspections. Schools must receive constructive feedback to ensure that our young people receive the best possible start in life.

“All four of my children have attended this school. The school has been ranked outstanding in the past. I know that we can get there again.

“So much has already been achieved since the inspection was carried out two months ago, and the next Ofsted report will be very different from this one.”