A PRIMARY school is celebrating its comeback after being judged “good” by education inspectors.

Pickhill Primary School, near Thirsk, was plunged into special measures in June 2011 and a school improvement committee was set up to raise standards.

Since then the school has made steady progress. After an Ofsted inspection in January 2013 the school came out of special measures and was branded a grade three “requiring improvement.”

In December 2013 it came 162nd out of 15,000 primary schools in England in a league table of best performing schools. In May this year, 100 per cent of year six children attained at least a level four in all subjects.

Now the latest Ofsted inspection has labelled the school as grade two which is “good”.

In particular inspectors praised the standard of teaching, which they say is continuing to improve, and pupils’ achievement and behaviour.

Head teacher Christine Gabbott and Penny Robson, chair of governors, say their goal is to now take the school to the next level – and get an “outstanding” verdict from Ofsted.

“We were absolutely delighted when we heard that Ofsted said we were good,” said Mrs Gabbott.

“Our success has been down to a team effort from parents, governors, staff and children. The inspector loved the way the children look after each other. He also praised their behaviour and their attitude to learning.”

She added: “Three years ago it was a shock to the community and it affected morale and confidence when we were put into special measures. Since then we’ve worked to turn the school around.”