THERE’S no risk of staff and pupils resting on their laurels at St James’ Church School, in Taunton, after inspectors praised the way things have progressed.

Head teacher Heather Cunningham, who was brought in to turn things around after the former Archbishop Cranmer School was struggling, was delighted to receive a good rating in every category in an OFSTED report.

But the accolade only served to inspire her to aim for an outstanding classification next time around.

Mrs Cunningham said: “The school has come such a long way since a really awful time.

“It was in a very low place and a lot of work needed to be done when I came in a couple of years ago.

“The journey has been dumpy for a time but, since we became a sponsored academy supported by our education partners, we’ve moved eons.

“To be good across the board in two years is a great achievement – we’re now aiming for outstanding in three years’ time.”

Mrs Cunningham said the successful inspection was down to a team effort, from the children, whose behaviour was almost ranked outstanding, through to the staff, parents and governor.

She said: “Visitors say the place is unrecognisable – the ethos of the place and the buildings.

“We make sure the people are valid and make the environment so you want to stay.

“Pride starts from the inside and works its way out.”

A calm area under construction, the layout of the classrooms and the school uniform were designed by the pupils, which helps them take ownership.

The school roll has children from 18 different nationalities, with over 75 of them having English as an additional language, creating great diversity in the school.

And there is an increased in the Reception admission numbers this year, with St James oversubscribed.

Mrs Cunningham said: “People within the community and Taunton recognise that the school’s been on a journey and is doing so well that they trust us with their children.

“It’s all about the pupils and they, in turn, feel safe, they think learning is positive and they feel pushed.

“We work with the children and they work with us.

“As a church school, we teach the children how to live in society and to be good members of that society, based on Christian teachings.

“We aim to send out 11-year-olds who can live in the community and be well-meaning, thoughtful, caring individuals based on the Christian ethos.”

She also paid tribute to the parents, who have “amazing ideas” and communicate quickly with the school, often via Facebook.

Mrs Cunningham is a local leader of education and, as a multi-academy trust, St James can help other schools in the Taunton area.