A SCHOOL which was described as "spectacularly" inadequate just three years ago has turned its fortunes around to be ranked 'good' by Ofsted.

Ian Ramsey in Stockton, which is now a Church of England Academy, was placed in special measures in 2014 after declining rapidly and being rated inadequate by Ofsted.

There was shock as the school, in the leafy Fairfield area of Stockton, had previously had good Ofsted reports.

But pupils and staff were celebrating at the weekend as an inspection report rated the school was once again good in all categories.

The inspection was the first since the Academy became part of the Dayspring Trust in a federation with The Venerable Bede Church of England Academy in Sunderland in 2014, which was an 'outstanding' school.

Both academies have been recognised by Ofsted for the hard work that has been done.

Inspectors said of Ian Ramsey: "Since the inception of the Academy, year 11 outcomes have rapidly risen."

They also said teaching was good, and praised the good behaviour of pupils and their positive attitudes to learning.

Brian Janes, head of school for Ian Ramsey, said: "Over the last three years Ian Ramsey CE Academy has been focused on developing high standards for all, with a relentless drive to provide the best educational experience for our students and families."

At the time of the inspection in 2014, local MP Alex Cunningham described his shock, and said the report then showed the school to be "not just inadequate but spectacularly so".

The head teacher at the time, Janet Wilson, left the school soon afterwards, as it was converted to a Church of England Academy.