Ofsted inspectors have praised a school, that was previously in special measures, after it has improved “rapidly” to be rated “good” within a year.

Langtons Junior School, in Hornchurch, was rated “inadequate” a year ago by the education watchdog, but inspectors say the school has since turned around its curriculum, pupils attainment and the standard of teaching thanks to the determination of leadership and management and has been rated “good” in all categories.

Schools are usually given two years to make improvements, and are monitored regularly by Ofsted until they have made the necessary changes.

But inspectors said in their report that the school has “improved rapidly” since the last inspection and is “well placed to continue to make further improvement”.

It added that pupils make “good progress and achieve well”, while progress in lessons is “rarely less than good and sometimes it is outstanding”.

Teaching was praised for being good throughout the school, with some being outstanding, while pupils’ behaviour was rated good, and often exemplary. Pupils were described as “polite and welcoming”.

Robert Lovett, the lead inspector said the curriculum, which was formerly a weakness, is now “broad, well balanced and makes a good contribution to pupils’ enjoyment of their work”.

He added that leadership and management across the school are good and the headteacher and executive headteacher provide “determined leadership with a sharp focus on improving teaching”.

Elaine Brook, acting headteacher, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Ofsted recognised the significant improvements at the school.

“All members of the staff team have worked hard to enhance what is on offer to pupils, and are committed to continuing to develop the children’s skills and interests in order to fully prepare them for the next stage of their education and beyond.

“However, we are not complacent, and are already working on our action plan to ensure that Langtons will be an outstanding school in the future.”

She added: “We are extremely grateful to parents and governors for their support in ensuring that pupils are offered a good standard of education.”