UPTON CE Primary School has been taken off special measures two terms ahead of target.

The school was put on special measures in May 2000, after a January Ofsted inspection found it was "failing to provide an acceptable standard of education".

The school was given a two-year deadline to improve standards but inspectors concluded at the end of their most recent visit on Tuesday that it had already completed the necessary improvements.

They applauded the quality of teaching, learning and children's attitudes, and praised the school's plans for the future.

At the January 2000 inspection, they found disagreements among governors had seriously impeded progress, and too few children were achieving above average results at each key stage.

Inspectors said there was under-achievement in each year group, particularly at Key Stage II, and provision for children with special needs was 'unsatisfactory'.

"The governing body is now united, focused and forward-thinking," said headteacher Mark Mumby this week.

"The school has a clear vision and the governing body is very supportive in helping us achieve this.

"I'm delighted that the school has made such exceptional progress, and has been taken off special measures so far ahead of target.

"It is due to the dedication, skill and sheer hard work of a very committed staff team.

"We now have a solid base to take the school even further. This is just the beginning."