STAFF and pupils at a Christchurch village primary school are celebrating their latest Ofsted report pulling them out of special measures.

Burton Primary School was given the lowest possible rating by inspectors in November 2010, with a damning report criticising it for failing pupils and slamming the quality of the teaching.

But now, just over 18 months down the line, teachers and youngsters are celebrating their improvements after a ‘no notice’ inspection earlier this month.

Inspectors noted the “significant” changes at the 285-pupil school, commenting on the “clear sense of purpose and direction”.

They also praised the strong and determined leadership of head teacher Dean Buckland, who joined the school in September 2011.

The school is now deemed “satisfactory”.

Inspectors said progress still varied between year groups and subjects, but praised the “increased rigour in tracking and monitoring the progress of different groups of pupils”.

Inspectors also said the achievement of children in the Early Years Foundation Stage was good with the standard of teaching regarded as satisfactory and improving.

Pupils respond positively to the improvements in teaching according to the report, which also said most were polite and behave well in lessons and around the school.

To improve further, the school needs to increase the achievement of pupils in English and Maths from years one to six, increase the proportion of teaching that is good or better and develop the roles of managers.

Head teacher Dean Buckland said staff had worked tirelessly since November 2010 and were delighted their efforts had been rewarded.

He said: “We will continue to implement the actions required to ensure we develop outstanding learning opportunities for our children.

“The report is a fantastic result for the school and recognises the hard work everyone has invested to take the school out of special measures.”

And chair of governors Marc Perry offered his thanks to everyone for their hard work.

He said: “We understand that this is the first step towards the school becoming the best that it can be.”