A GREAT Yarmouth primary school has worked its way out of special measures after just 13 months with Ofsted praising its leadership, teaching and pupils' behaviour.

Greenacre Primary and Nursery School was placed in the failing category in October 2010 and has spent the last year battling back to shake off its under-performing tag.

Norfolk County Council gave leadership support from Beverley Hall, as county headteacher, until Bill Holledge took over as permanent head in September. An attendance officer and support staff from the council have also helped to address the areas for improvement.

Inspectors said: 'Staff, pupils, parents and governors at Greenacre Primary and Nursery School have worked exceptionally hard to transform their previously failing school so that it is now satisfactory overall. The morale of staff is extremely high because of the extraordinary work of the county headteacher which has flowed seamlessly into the excellent leadership of the new substantive headteacher.

'Staff talk with great enthusiasm about his inspirational leadership and the very rapid improvements in pupils' attainment since September. The new headteacher, ably supported by a good senior leadership team and good governing body, has two clear priorities for the school which are to raise pupils' attainment so that it meets national expectations and to ensure that all teaching is good or better.'

Inspectors found that behaviour at the school was good and sometimes outstanding, pupils enjoyed school and there had been a 'huge improvement' in attendance.

Teaching was also found to be good across the school and the care, guidance and support offered to pupils was also judged as good.

Mr Holledge said: 'Since I joined the school in September it has been clear everyone is prepared to pull together and work their absolute hardest to ensure this is the best school possible and that pupils are achieving their potential.

'We are thrilled with the outcome of the inspection and the very many positive features identified in Ofsted's report. We have a very strong team of teachers, governors, parents and pupils who are determined to see the school continue to move in the right direction. We need to raise attainment levels even further but have seen a rapid improvement in recent months and know we can raise levels of achievement even further.'

Inspectors also found the school had developed its relationship with parents and carers, who were positive about the school's progress.

Alison Thomas, county council cabinet member for children's services, said: 'This is a fantastic report and a wonderful turnaround for the school, which has been removed from special measures extremely quickly. It is clear the new headteacher, staff, governors and parents are all ambitious for the school.'