A SCHOOL that was placed in special measures last year has been praised for the second time this year by Government inspectors.

Ofsted has reported that Mount Pleasant Primary School, in the Branksome area of Darlington, has made good progress since it was subject to special measures and since its previous inspection.

Teachers have also improved students' achievement for the first time in years, according to inspectors.

In February last year, Ofsted inspectors issued a damning report in which the school was described as deteriorating, with poor management. It was placed in special measures.

Two governors were brought in to help, as was Peter Boddy, headteacher of Red Hall Primary School, in an interim position.

Mr Boddy handed over to new headteacher Carol Coleman after the Easter holidays.

A report following her first term in charge has been published after a two-day inspection at the start of the month.

The report said: "The significant improvements in pupils' achievements noted during the second monitoring visit have been sustained and built upon.

"The intensive actions implemented across the school since October 2009 have succeeded in raising standards and accelerating pupils' progress rapidly from a very low base."

It added that most pupils had made the expected progress in English, mathematics and science up to Key Stage Two test levels.

The inspectors said: "The school has met or exceeded its challenging targets and the downward trend in attainment seen in the previous three years has been halted."

The report also said the improved quality of lessons had been sustained and the transition between the two headteachers was managed very effectively.

It also listed several improvements made by the leadership and management at the school, all rated as "good".

Council officers and councillors have praised the work of the former interim headteacher and new headteacher in improving standards and a "smooth handover".