A ONCE-FAILING primary school has come out of special measures after transforming its fortunes in a year.

Cherry Tree Primary School, in Church Road, Basildon, was placed in emergency measures in July last year after an Ofsted inspection that spring.

It was among a cluster of failing Basildon schools.

But like Basildon Lower Academy last month, Cherry Tree has been turned around in little mroe than a year, thanks to new leadership.

Ofsted watchdogs returned to the school last month, and gave it a glowing review, raising it from “inadequate”

to “good”.

New headteacher, Nicky Barrand, said: “This must be credited to the hard work of everybody involved with the school, from the teaching staff, to governors, pupils and their families.

“We will take note of Ofsted’s recommendations and continue to make progress.

“We want to build on this good judgment to ensure we provide the very best care and education we can.”

In particular, inspectors commended pupils’ performance in maths, and said the children, aged between three and 11, were progressing in English at the same rate as most schools in the area.

The school had 284 pupils on its roll this term.

In 2012, officials from Ofsted were concerned about the school’s poor leadership and teaching of maths and reading as prime areas of concern.

Ray Gooding, councillor for education at Essex County Council, said: “I congratulate the staff, governors and pupils for their hard work in improving the school.

“Over the last year, we have worked hard to assist the school in improving.”