Jubilant staff and pupils have been left jumping for joy after an amazing transformation saw their school rise from being one of the worst in the country to one of the best.

De La Salle School, in Ghyllgrove, Basildon, received a letter from Schools minister Jim Knight congratulating staff and pupils, for coming ninth in the Government's "most improved schools" list.

Basildon and East Thurrock MP Angela Smith also dropped in to say "well done" to headteacher Mike Curnock for turning the school around in just three years ago.

Mr Curnock said: "Obviously we're delighted to have all our hard work acknowledged.

"Only 6 per cent of our students achieved five or more A to C grades, including maths and English, at GCSE three years ago.

"We improved that figure to 30 per cent last year, which everyone is really proud of. Hopefully this year's students will do even better."

Mr Curnock attributed the improved performance to old fashioned hard work by staff and pupils.

He said: "Parents' support has also improved dramatically.

"Less then 50 per cent used to come to parents evenings three years ago, but now more than 80 per cent come along."

Mrs Smith praised the achievements of De La Salle School and also James Hornsby High School, in Laindon, which was ranked 83rd most improved in the country.

She said: "I've been following the progress of the schools and they've both done really well.

"I've seen a change in the culture of both. They're still improving and there's more they want to do. They are definitely heading in the right direction."

Gill Hillman, headteacher of James Hornsby, said her school's success was thanks to the hard work of staff, the pupils and the parents.