STAFF and students at a primary school are celebrating a turnaround after being plunged into special measures last year.

Cumnor Primary School jumped to “good” yesterday, following an Ofsted inspection last month. Staff were shocked when inspectors criticised teaching and achievement weaknesses in April 2012. But just one year on the school of 199 pupils, in Oxford Road, was praised by inspectors and rated “good” across the board in the latest Ofsted report.

Headteacher Ed Read said: “It is extremely pleasing they are acknowledging the really good work going on here. “The staff here worked so hard to come out and prove to everyone we are the good school we always believed.

“The commitment and efforts by everyone was amazing, and the news is gratifying to hear.”

Mr Read took over from interim acting headteachers Pauline Roberts and Rob Shadbolt in January.

Ofsted inspectors also told the school they were making good progress in December and had begun to turn the school around. They confirmed this progress had been continued under a smooth transition to the new head.

The report said: “Teaching has improved and is mostly good. Some is outstanding. Pupils make good progress from the moment they start in the Early Years Foundation Stage. Pupils enjoy their lessons. They make good progress in their key skills and reach high levels of attainment. Pupils write confidently from an early age.”

It also said pupils’ work is carefully checked and their behaviour is good.

Mr Read added: “We kept morale up and everyone motivated. There is a different atmosphere here now, in that there is a determination to maintain that quality education and make sure everyone contributes and enjoys what we are doing.

“We can be a bit more relaxed – not in terms of teaching – but rather than being anxious and worried.” All the teachers other than the head of the school stayed on after the initial “inadequate” inspection.

Ofsted inspectors on March 21 and 22 observed 11 lessons and held discussions with some of the pupils.

The school’s policies, action plan, and pupils’ school workbooks were also reviewed.