A PRIMARY school near Thirsk has started its new life after converting to an academy following a critical Ofsted inspection.

Outwood Primary Academy Alne, formerly Alne Primary School, has officially opened its doors to students as part of Outwood Grange Academies Trust for the first time.

The school was rated as inadequate by Ofsted following an inspection in July 2019, and subsequently Outwood was named as preferred sponsor.

Outwood officials have since worked with the school prior to its conversion, to ensure a smooth transition.

The headteacher of Alne Primary School, Miss Michelle Dawson will remain as principal of the new academy.

She said: “We are looking forward to joining the Outwood Family and this is an exciting time for Alne.

"Outwood has great experience in North Yorkshire of not only transforming schools, but also playing an active role in the communities they serve.

“I’d like to thank our children, their parents, our staff and governors and other academy community members for their patience and support during this process."

The Alne school joins 11 other primaries in the Outwood group.