THE leaders of two schools that have been criticised by the inspection body Ofsted have vowed to get back on track.

The pledge came as St Thomas's CE Primary School in Kendal was placed in special measures, while Croftlands Junior School, Ulverston, was given a notice to improve.

This week, the chairman of governors at St Thomas's, the Rev Canon Tim Montgomery, confirmed that head teacher Tim Westwood had "relinquished his position" as of March 31.

The popular Kendal primary school was rated as very effective in its last Ofsted inspection in 2001.

However, parents were made aware of the recent findings when they received a copy of the Ofsted report on Friday, March 23.

Mr Montgomery said St Thomas's had gone through a challenging period as identified by the team of Ofsted inspectors, who had recognised the foundations were now in place on which the school could build.

"The commitment and character of our staff, governors, children and parents will determine a good outcome from this difficult situation," he said.

Croftlands Junior School, in Ulverston, was given a notice to improve following an inspection in February.

Head teacher Jackie Dower said: "We had already begun to work on the areas highlighted by the inspectors, a fact acknowledged by the inspectors who noted that teaching, learning and management had improved and that the school has a sound capacity for further improvement."

For story in full see March 30 Westmorland Gazette.