A HEAD teacher called in to save a failing school was hailed as a miracle worker today after it came top of the class in education tables.

St James' CE Primary, Brindle, faced possible closure after it was described as giving "cause for great concern" following an Ofsted inspectors' visit last year.

Today, it is 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 -- a maximum score of 300.

The turnaround co-incided with the secondment of Alan Henderson from his deputy headship at Peel Park Primary, Accrington, on March 1.

Today the acting head and his staff were praised by education bosses.

And Chorley MP Lindsay Hoyle said: "It appears that Mr Henderson is something of a miracle worker -- and that his staff are pretty good at performing marvels as well."

A spokesman for the Department of Education said: "This is brilliant. It appears to be a magnificent turnaround."

The Ofsted inspectors slammed standards of management and teaching at the 75-pupil school following their visit last year.

They said there had been a serious breakdown in the way the school is managed, which had produced a "considerable under-achievement in terms of pupil attainment."

Following the inspection special measures were introduced at the school -- with an implied threat of eventual closure if things did not improve.

Eight headteachers had left since 1994, and after staff were criticised two took early retirement and were replaced.

Mr Henderson said today: "We are delighted, although the school was in difficulty and we are still being visited regularly by Her Majesty's inspectors."

Ofsted inspectors were due back in Brindle St James' school school today for one of their regular visits.

"We're obviously hoping they'll call off the special measures," Mr Henderson said. However, a decision will not be made immediately.

"The result is a marked improvement. The children of this year were a very talented group, very bright and articulate. And there was a lot of good teaching.

"The school has made tremendous improvement since January, and were are delighted for the children. They are undoubtedly talented youngsters.

"It is a triumph for the children and the staff, both teaching and non-teaching.

"We did have some children who were borderline. So to achieve these levels, where nobody was borderline, they did very well."

The school has two teachers in addition to the head teacher. Two years ago the school scored 213 out of a possible 300 in the tables, and last year 255.

Mr Henderson put the success down to pupils being encouraged to question things more and to find things out for themselves.

"Each class has its own mini-IT suite and children can now look things up on the internet. We've tried to respond to their needs and they have produced the results."

Chairman of governors Lois Louden said: "I want to pay tribute to the whole staff, including the support staff. They've done a tremendous job."

And she praised teacher Carol Jackson, who was the sole pre-Ofsted survivor. "The children are more independent -- and the they enjoy coming to school," she said.

Councillor Whittaker, Cabinet Member for Education and Young People at County Hall, added: "It's brilliant news. I am delighted for everyone at the school. They have made tremendous progress."

Overall, Lancashire County Council schools fared better than the national average and Blackburn with Darwen was roughly in line average standards.

Take a look at the performance tables...