Education inspectors have praised a school which was in special measures only a few years ago .

Staff and parents at Broadwater Church of England First and Middle School, Worthing, were celebrating after the latest Ofsted report called it "a very good school".

Following a damning Ofsted report in 2001, the previous headteacher resigned after inspectors said standards were unacceptable.

They said her leadership was weak and she was a key factor in the school's difficulties, sparking a backlash from parents concerned about their children's education.

Janet Sharp took over as headteacher and now the 500-student school, in Rectory Gardens, has been given a glowing report.

The Ofsted report stated: "The excellent leadership of the headteacher and very good teaching lead to pupils' high standards and very good achievement.

"The Christian foundation of the school is very evident in its daily life and strongly influences pupils' values, their understanding of what is right, their appreciation of the needs of others and their inspiration to do their best."

Christine Colthurst, chairman of the governors, said: "We have much to celebrate. We can all be justifiably proud of this achievement.

"The staff at Broadwater work incredibly hard to provide a high quality of education throughout the year and we are extremely grateful."

The report said the school provided very good standards in English, mathematics and science.

It also said teaching was very good, pupils were well behaved and children with special needs were making very good progress.