A west Norfolk school is celebrating after inspectors said it was 'improving rapidly' and removed it from special measures after just 15 months.

Narborough Primary School, near Swaffham, was placed in the category following a visit by Ofsted in June 2010. But after a further inspection last month it has been praised for its teaching, leadership and pupils' progress and behaviour.

Most schools spend more than a year-and-a-half in special measures but inspectors were so impressed with progress at Narborough they gave it an overall satisfactory rating on just their third follow-up visit.

A number of areas, including pupils' behaviour, the quality of teaching, security and the schools' contribution to the wider community were considered good.

The report added: '[Narborough] is improving rapidly because the impact of the new leadership and teaching team has been very positive in raising the quality of teaching, which is good, and pupils' learning across the school.

'In the best lessons seen during the inspection, teachers are crystal clear about what pupils will be learning and explain new concepts so well that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, can understand.'

The school is now in partnership with Sporle Primary School with Malcolm Brockway as the partnership headteacher.

He thanked staff, pupils, parents and governors for their hard work and support.

He added: 'Children's enjoyment of school, the strong teaching and our capacity to continue to improve are all highlighted in this report and show that we have the ability to carry on making progress and grow in strength.

'There is always more to do and we must now focus on raising levels of achievement in maths and bringing it up to the level that we have achieved in English. We also need the ongoing support of parents to ensure all children arrive at school in good time.'

Ann Steward, county councillor for Narborough and Sporle, said: 'It is fantastic to see that Narborough Primary School has made such rapid progress and is providing strong teaching for its pupils. Its partnership with Sporle brings two improving schools together and I am sure they will both be able to benefit from each other strengths and ideas.'