A SCHOOL branded by inspectors as "likely to fail" has now been told it is a winner.

St Barnabas and St Paul Primary School, Blackburn, was heavily criticised by inspectors from Ofsted - the Office for Standards in Education - two years ago. They said the school was likely to fail to give its pupils an acceptable standard of education.

And "special measures" were ordered to improve education after a report said staff had lost confidence in their governors.

A series of tough inspections in the last two years has now found standards have improved steadily.

Inspectors have been pleased with the school's progress and have now withdrawn the special measures.

A report by Ofsted inspectors highlighted a number of key areas the school had improved including;

A marked improvement in National Curriculum test results.

Sound leadership by the school's management

Relationships between staff and governors are open and friendly

Pupils have a good attitude to learning and levels of concentration have improved significantly.

The report says the school now provides sound value for money.

It adds: "The school has adopted firm principles to which all aspire."

Acting head Elaine Smith said: "The school's success is due to the sheer hard work and commitment of all its staff and not least to the strong and effective leadership given by Graham Burrows, the headteacher, who has recently moved back to his home town of Bolton to take up a promoted post."

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