A KIDDERMINSTER school that was once deemed to be failing its pupils is celebrating after Government inspectors took it out of special measures.

Marlpool First School, which has about 170 children aged between four and nine, received praise in the Ofsted report, which described it as an "improving school".

The inspection, which was carried out in June, concluded it was now providing "an acceptable standard of education for its pupils".

It stated: "The school has effectively tackled the weaknesses identified in the previous inspection of February, 2004.

"The acting headteacher has provided the school with clear direction and strong leadership, placing the pupils at the heart of the initiative.

"Behaviour around the school is very good. Pupils obey rules and are well mannered. They enjoy working together and co-operate well when working in groups or pairs."

Inspectors, who have visited on a termly basis since April, 2004, noted there was still work to be done but believed the capacity to improve was good.

The school could have faced closure if it had not met the improved performance targets within the two-year period.

Fran Jones, acting headteacher at the Marlpool Lane school, said the turnaround in fortunes was down to an overall team effort.

She added: "Everyone connected with the school has worked very hard and should be proud of their contribution to this amazing result.

"A good thing was that no parents decided to remove their children when we were placed in special measures. That support, which has continued, helped a lot at the time.

"The future is looking rosy and everyone can look forward to a continuing improvement."

Hugh Richards, chairman of governors, said: "I am delighted. The improvements that have been made are a tribute to the whole school community."

The school is due to merge with St Barnabas First School in 2007 under Worcestershire County Council's education shake-up, that will see a switch to a two-tier system.