A TAUNTON Deane Primary School has rolled up its sleeves to break free of special measures status.

Norton Fitzwarren Community School was placed into special measures in 2004 after an OFSTED inspection deemed it unsatisfactory and poor in many areas.

The report stated in overall evaluation: "This school is not effective. It provides an unsatisfactory quality of education for its pupils except for those in the reception class. Pupils' learning is unsatisfactory due to unsatisfactory teaching over time and so their achievements are unsatisfactory. Pupils standards in English, Mathematics and Science are well below average."

But with a new head teacher taking the helm shortly after the damning report, the school has made a complete turnaround.

The latest report brings the school out of special measures and the overall effectiveness is said to be satisfactory, with the report stating: "Standards and achievement are now at satisfactory levels and last year's year six results in English were the best yet.

"Reception children also make satisfactory progress towards the standards expected. Children enjoy learning and several commented that working hard' was the thing they liked best about school."

Head teacher Bill Grace told the Gazette: "While we were in special measures, inspectors came round once every ten-twelve weeks. Progress has just got better and better.

"This is down to the fact that parents, staff and children have really rolled up their sleeves. It is a great relief to everybody, it is down to hard work.

"The children have been fairly consistent throughout, they are a hard working group of children - it was more about the way the curriculum was organised."

And now the school is in the clear Mr Grace said he felt his work was done and is preparing to leave for new pastures at the end of the term.

He said: "In a way this is a really good time for someone else to come in."