A HYNDBURN primary school is celebrating after coming out of special measures within two years.

Great Harwood St John's Primary School, which had been rated ‘inadequate’ by Ofsted, has been praised by inspectors in their latest report.

Ofsted’s inspection said St John’s 'acted decisively to bring about significant improvement to the school's provision', with attainment 'rising quickly'.

The report also said that pupils enjoyed coming to school, which has solved it’s attendance problem.

Headteacher of the 141 pupil school Darren Mussell said: "We are all absolutely thrilled about this.

"To come out of special measures in less than two years reflects the hard work that's been put in by everyone.

"Overall, the school is now judged to be satisfactory, but I'm particularly pleased that 18 of the report's 31 scores are rated as 'good', and four of these have jumped two grades.

“To be told after eighteen months of special measures that your school is very close to being considered 'good' is a huge compliment to everyone’s hard work and dedication, including our advisers from the county council."

Dion Etheridge, chair of governors, said: “The changes brought about to achieve this outcome have been the result of so much sustained hard work and commitment from the governing body, staff and the pupils themselves.

"It doesn’t stop here though. This is only the first part of the journey for this school's community and there is more we can and will do for the benefit of the children in our care. The challenge and drive will continue until we are the best we can be.”

In his report, Ofsted inspector John Coleman said: “Good teaching is combined with a curriculum which provides well-balanced and interesting learning experiences for pupils.

“There is a good level of challenge and support from the governing body to the school's senior leaders”.