A school which was rated 'inadequate' and placed in special measures three years ago is now improving rapidly, say education watchdogs.

Ofsted inspectors say teaching, management and pupils behaviour at IES Breckland are now all good.

After beind placed in special measures in 2014, the 480-pupil free school, in Brandon, was rated as needing improvement in 2015.

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A three-strong inspection team, who visited IES in September, say it is 'a good and improving school'.

Principal Alison Tilbrook said: 'I am incredibly thrilled that the school has been recognised as the school that we knew it to be. The three and a half years journey from special measures to

good has been the result of the dedication of students, teachers and parents supported by International English Schools, Sabres Trust, governors and all in the local community.

'Together we want the school's continued trajectory to outstanding. It is a real privilege to be the principal of this amazing school.'

Mr Fredrik Åkerman, director of International English Schools UK, which manages the school, said: 'I would like to thank everyone involved for their work to improve the school. I hope that the entire team at the school - including teaching and non-teaching staff as well as the school's leadership, governors and the Sabres Educational Trust - is pleased to see their hard work and professionalism recognised by inspectors.'

Chair of governors Kate Curtis said: 'SABRES Educational Trust and the governing body are extremely pleased and recognize and appreciate the hard work and dedication of the whole team, International English Schools, the leadership, all staff and students both past and present and thank everyone and the community for their support.'

The inspectors' report says: 'The principal has developed IES Breckland into a calm and purposeful centre of learning where pupils behave and achieve well. She and the school's other leaders are resolute in raising the aspirations of pupils.

'Leaders at all levels are united in their desire to achieve the best possible outcomes for pupils. They are effective in identifying priorities and implementing the necessary improvements.

'Pupils' progress is improving rapidly because the quality of teaching in the school is improving. Leaders check the quality of teachers' work very thoroughly.'

Attendance and pupils' behaviour have both improved, inspectors say. Their report adds: 'Pupils wear their uniform with pride. They look after their school and there is very little litter around the school grounds.

'Inspectors observed pupils conducting themselves well around the school, both in their classrooms and during less structured parts of the day.

'Outcomes for pupils at IES Breckland are improving strongly. Inspection evidence, including analysis of pupils' work, demonstrates that pupils across year groups are making good progress.'

The inspectors' report says further improvements are still required. It says IES needs to improve communication so that all parents are well informed about school matters and the progress that their children are making.

It says teaching should also be made more challenging for pupils in some subjects.