A SCHOOL which was placed under "special measures" by inspectors last year because of its poor performance has engineered a dramatic turnaround in its fortunes.

Parkgate Junior School in Watford was celebrating this week after receiving a positive report card from school inspectors who visited in May.

The inspectors who recommended emergency measures be lifted praised the "significant improvement" in teaching, the curriculum and overall learning environment.

Miss Rachel Preston, deputy head teacher at the school in Southwold Road, said: "We are really pleased that all our hard work has been recognised."

"It has been a real team effort which has involved school staff, pupils, governors, the LEA and parents.

"Our parents have been especially important, they gave us their trust and support, which subsequently kept the numbers up."

The picture painted in the most recent Ofsted report is in stark contrast to the one handed down in February 2003.

Back then special measures were implemented because the school of 230 pupils was found to be "failing to give its pupils an acceptable standard of education".

Eighteen months on the story is very different.

The school has set down clear routines and a detailed curriculum, put more money into resources and redecorated its hall and entrance.

A representative from Hertfordshire County Council said: "Parkgate's turnaround has been tremendous, they've come out of special measures very quickly."