A college with a chequered history has been removed from the Government's list of failing schools.

Inspectors confirmed East Brighton College of Media Arts is no longer in special measures.

The secondary school in Wilson Avenue was deemed to be failing in May 2000 and had problems after that.

But in the year since Dr Jill Clough was appointed principal, it has made steady progress.

Dr Clough said today: "I am thrilled, most of all for the students.

"They're told all the time by others outside the school that they must be stupid because of the school they go to.

"Now they have been told officially that their school is not failing, which will help them get back the self confidence they deserve."

City council cabinet councillor Frieda Warman-Brown added: "This decision confirms the great improvement we have been seeing over the last few months.

"The enormous amount of hard work by staff and pupils has transformed the school."

Education officials have provided intensive support for pupils in special needs, attendance and behaviour.

The college is part of a pilot project for improving learning opportunities in literacy, numeracy and science.

Ofsted inspectors made the decision after paying a visit earlier this week and the decision means there are no failing schools in Brighton and Hove.