PUPILS and staff at a Stockton school are celebrating after it transformed itself in only two years.

An Ofsted report in October 2000 judged St Cuthbert's RC Voluntary Aided Primary School to have serious weaknesses in its leadership and management, teaching and pupils' standards of attainment.

However, inspectors now say the school no longer has any serious weaknesses in any aspect of its work.

They found that it was an effective school, which is well led by the headteacher, provides a good education for its pupils and has many strengths, including the good quality of teaching.

Moira Metcalfe, headteacher, said: "I believed the school had all the elements to be successful, including hardworking, dedicated staff, supportive parents, fully informed governors, strong, effective leadership and truly special children.

"I was delighted to receive such a good Ofsted report. St Cuthbert's is now reaping the rewards of all its staff's hard work."