AFTER two years in ’Special Measures’, St White’s Primary School in Cinderford has been given a clean bill of health by Ofsted inspectors.

The school was found inadequate by a team of inspectors in December 2013, but has been making steady progress ever since.

After the latest inspection on November 3, lead Inspector Ken Buxton got straight to the point, summing up: “This is a good school.”

Teresa Cross, pictured, headteacher at the school was praised for ’leading from the front’ with the report concluding that ’her strength of character and determined leadership has enabled the school to reinvent itself’.

Following the publication of the report, Miss Cross was quick to thank staff and pupils for their efforts.

She said: “Our staff have worked tirelessly to rise to the significant challenges the school has faced and parents have been incredibly supportive.

“Our pupils deserve the best possible education, and the inspectors commented on their positive attitude to learning and desire to learn.

“We are delighted with the outcome and would like to thank the Local Authority for their support over the past two years.

"We are now well placed to move into the new school in February, and are really excited about the future.”

Matt Bishop, chairman of the school governors added: “To be out of special measures is something I am especially pleased about, as it is recognition of the hard work everyone has put in at St White’s.

“We are all determined for this school to become outstanding.”

Councillor Paul McLain, Gloucestershire’s cabinet member for young people, said: “I am really proud of the staff, governors and most importantly the pupils at St White’s School.

“I am pleased that the good work and positive attitudes of the pupils has been reflected in this Ofsted report, and the school’s future looks bright.”

The Ofsted team found that the quality of teaching, leadership, learning and assessment, personal development, behaviour and welfare and early years provision were all ‘good’.

The report reads: “The senior leaders exhibit a relentless determination to ensure that their vision for the school is realised.

“The headteacher’s high expectations are reflected in all aspects of the school’s work.

"Her leadership has resulted in significant improvement since the last inspection.

“Standards are rising throughout the school as a result of good teaching.

"Pupils are increasingly being challenged to achieve their potential.

“Over the last three years, pupils’ progress has improved rapidly so that, overall, pupils achieve well.

“Provision in the early years is good. As a result, children joining the school in the Reception Year get off to a strong start with increasing numbers being well prepared for the start of Year 1.”

However, the inspectors ruled that the school is not yet ‘outstanding’ due to a legacy of poor teaching that has left gaps in standards of English and that attendance remains lower than average. ?

The school is due to move to a new £6m council funded premises in the new year.

A tree planting and time capsule ceremony is scheduled for today to mark the move.