THESE schoolchildren have a big reason to celebrate – their primary is out of special measures.

Newlands Primary School in Millbrook has recorded a turnaround in performance just a year after it was described as failing by Ofsted inspectors and put into special measures, meaning it was subject to more frequent inspections.

New head teacher Lou Stapleton and deputy Lucy Jones have now taken over after Shirley Warren Primary’s head teacher Lynne Sproson was temporarily at the helm.

She stepped in after previous head teacher Carole Bird left suddenly following a damning Ofsted report criticising the school’s leadership, management and educational standards.

But now inspectors have described the 319-pupil school as “improving” and praised the new head teacher, deputy head teacher and chairman of governors for their “strong and determined leadership.”

While the school is no longer in special measures, inspectors have called for significant improvement to be made in reading, writing, maths and science.

However, inspectors said the new leadership team had already bought sustained improvement and rising standards.

Children were found to find their lessons “more challenging, purposeful and enjoyable” and attendance levels have also improved.

Ms Stapleton said: “I am very proud of all that the staff and pupils have achieved.

“They have worked incredibly hard to get us to where we are today and I’d like to commend their dedication and commitment.

“However, we are not complacent and realise that while this is a genuine step forward, there is still room for improvement, and we are committed to continuing to work with the Local Authority to ensure this happens.”

The school recorded its best Key Stage 2 results this year and much-improved results in tests for seven-year-olds.

INSPECTORS REPORT