PROGRESS at a primary school judged as ‘failing’ a year ago has been praised.

Over a quarter of lessons at Wellsprings Primary School, in Taunton, have now been rated “outstanding” by a Government inspector, while the rest were mostly “good”.

Pupils were deemed to be making good progress, notably in English.

Head teacher Mark Lunn said: “It’s rare for a school in our circumstances to be given such a positive report only two visits into a process that can take two years.

“It certainly reflects all the hard work that’s taken place here.

“The inspector was extremely impressed by how we’ve improved, and that we’ve also created a broad and exciting curriculum.

“The children are already more involved in their own learning and members of the school community, including teachers, parent champions and governors, are all working hard to create a school that will continue to be judged ‘good’, and aspire to be ‘outstanding’.”

Wellsprings was placed in special measures following an inspection last March which concluded that the school in Crowcombe Road did not provide an acceptable education and attainment was below average.

A national leader of education was sent in to help put the school back on track and Ofsted is making termly visits in a bid to boost pupils’ results and improve teaching standards.

Somerset County Council cabinet member Cllr John Osman said: “I’m very pleased at the progress being made by Wellsprings.

“Everyone is working hard to ensure that the changes made will provide lasting benefits for the children, and I’m confident that this progress will be maintained when Ofsted next visit.”