A Portland primary school has been taken out of special measures.

Staff, pupils and governors at Tophill Junior School have cause for extra celebrations with the outcome of their latest Ofsted report.

This has given the school a clean bill of health and removal from the measures 'well ahead of schedule'.

The Ofsted inspectors highlighted a number of facts leading to the success and stated: 'The leadership of the

acting headteacher, Trevor Jameson, is outstanding and he has been the major platform for school improvement.

'He has a very clear view about where the school is heading, ensuring a shared approach to developments and a school-wide determination to achieve improvements, and he has successfully empowered a progressively effective senior leadership team and improved morale.'

The report also commented favourably on pupils' polite, friendly and cheerful behaviour and that they enjoy going to school. It also states: 'The improved quality of teaching and the school's commitment to make learning enjoyable is paying off.

'There is good support for those with learning difficulties, and very good relationships between staff and pupils means that pastoral care is also very good, and teaching assistants give good support to pupils with additional needs, enabling these children to be successful.'

The inspectors recommended that the school should continue in its efforts to raise children's standards in English, improve the achievements of higher-attaining pupils and continue to develop the skills of subject leaders.

Mr Jameson, who will be headteacher of the new St George's Primary School when Tophill Juniors and St George's Primary amalgamate in September 2006, said:

"The success of Tophill Junior School is a testimony to the hard work, skills and commitment of all staff and to the

support given by governors, parents and the local community."

He also recognised the considerable support of the LEA in addressing the issues arising from previous inspections.