Failing Tamworth school sees new rating success

A failing school in Staffordshire has been turned around 15 months after it was put into special measures by government inspectors.

Staffordshire County Council overhauled the leadership at Queen Elizabeth Mercian School in Tamworth, giving it a new interim headteacher and executive board.

Ofsted have now rated the school as satisfactory with a number of good features, officially taking it out of special measures.

Liz Staples, the county council's cabinet member for education and skills said: "At the time of the initial inspection, we felt it necessary to take robust action in order to turn the situation at the school around.

"It was essential to act quickly, ensuring the strengths of the school were built upon while the weaknesses identified by Ofsted were addressed. This latest inspection is testament to the hard work of staff and pupils."

Alan Cooper, chairman of the school's interim board, said: "I am delighted the school has come out of special measures so quickly and with such good grades. It is a credit to all concerned."