A STRUGGLING primary school which faced possible closure after being blasted by inspectors has completed an amazing turnaround with a glowing Ofsted report.

St James' CE Primary, Brindle, was placed in special measures after it was described as giving "cause for great concern" following an inspection in 2000.

Inspectors slammed standards of management and teaching at the 75-pupil school, which has two teachers in addition to the head teacher. They said there had been a serious breakdown in the way the school was managed, which had produced a "considerable under-achievement in terms of pupil attainment."

But a report released by Ofsted this month showed the school had turned its fortunes around and scored top marks thanks to strong leadership and parents' help.

The Water Street school began its dramatic transformation in 2001 when it was one of only three schools in East Lancashire to achieve 100 per cent marks across the board in the Government's tables for 11-year-olds taking English, maths and science tests.

The amazing result coincided with the secondment of Alan Henderson from his deputy headship at Peel Park Primary, Accrington.

But Ofsted inspectors, who visited the school for two days in June, found Mr Henderson's work had been built upon by current headmistress Val Walsh, who was praised for her strong leadership, in the report.

The improvement was also put down to good management and the positive attitudes of children.

Lead inspector Brian Gosling said: "The headteacher arrived at the school two years ago, shortly after the last inspection. She has appointed half of the teaching staff and formed a dedicated committed team that is mutually supportive and is committed to school improvement."

Pupils were found to be well above national average in English and science and in the top five per cent of the UK's schools in mathematics.

To celebrate they were treated to a visit from parent rally driver John Swinscoe in his rally car earlier this month.

Cultural awareness, excellent attendance and pupils' responsible attitudes were also praised.

But improvement was found to be needed in year two pupils' reading levels and in the planning of lessons in the reception class to bring them in line with national curriculum guidelines.

The family atmosphere of the school played a big role in its success, with parents, pupils and governors all being heaped with praise.