Staff at a west Suffolk primary school are celebrating following a ‘good’ rating by Ofsted five years after being placed in special measures.

Glemsford Primary Academy, which was inspected by the education watchdog in December, was praised for its leadership and pupil behaviour.

The school was placed in special measures by inspectors in 2013, before enjoying a renaissance since joining the Samuel Ward Academy Trust in January 2015.

Ben Jeffery, headteacher, said: “This Ofsted report reflects how hard everyone linked to the school has worked over the past few years and everyone involved should feel very proud.

“A report like this is only possible because of the amazing work from all of the staff at Glemsford, the wonderful children, the supportive parents, the brilliant governors and the support and challenge we have received from the Samuel Ward Academy Trust.”

The school was rated good in all six main categories following the inspection and Ofsted pupils’ personal development and welfare as “outstanding”.

The report said: “The well-respected headteacher has established high standards – his passion and enthusiasm are shared by all staff.

“Leaders, governors and trustees have effectively established a good quality of education at Glemsford Primary Academy.

“Leaders’ efforts to establish the school’s standing in the local community have been hugely successful. Parents are overwhelmingly supportive of the improvements and changes the headteacher has made.

“Pupils behave very well both in the classroom and at playtime and lunchtime. They have positive attitudes to learning.”

Tim Coulson, chief executive of the Trust, added: “We are delighted that everyone’s hard work and the close partnership between the school and the Trust has been recognised in this way.

“I would like to congratulate everyone involved - the village now has the school it deserves.”

Ofsted said improvements could be made in raising the achievement of pupils in writing by providing more high-quality activities for pupils to practice.

The watchdog also highlighted pupil progress monitoring outside the core subjects of reading, writing , maths and science as an area to improve.