A PRIMARY school has been “transformed beyond recognition” after it was rated as good with outstanding features in its latest Ofsted report.

Sue Cook, headteacher of West Thurrock Primary, in Schoolfield Road, says it is down to the “can do” attitude taken on by all staff and pupils which has led to result.

The report says: “The school has changed beyond recognition from the school that lingered for more than five years in special measures with a record of long-term failings.

“The enormous improvements in virtually every aspect of provision and outcomes over the past decade and since the last inspection show how far this school has come.”

The school was rated good for its leadership and management.

Its capacity to improve, behaviour and care guidance and its support of the children were all ranked as outstanding features.

The report added: “This has been achieved through the drive and ambition of the headteacher and leadership team.

“This is a good school. It has been transformed almost beyond recognition and not just because it is now in a spacious new building.”

Mrs Cook, who has been in charge at the school for eight years, told the Gazette: “The school has got better because for a long period there was a instability in leadership, so standards were low and behaviour had deteriorated.

“The school had lost its purpose and many parents were taking their children out of school.

“The school has been transformed because of our strong ethos of care and belonging, the sense of pride and the can do attitude that pervades the culture of the school, with children and staff. Children’s achievement and progress is now very good.”

Cllr Diana Hale, Thurrock Council’s cabinet member for education, was delighted with the news.

She said: “This is a great result. The headteacher has shown that with the right leadership in place, Thurrock children can do us proud.”