A SCHOOL scheduled for closure has been praised by inspectors from the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted).

Eldon Lane Primary School, in Bishop Auckland, has improved since its last inspection and pupils are performing well above average in mathematics.

Headteacher Dorothy Hope has been praised for her management and leadership skills.

The report, which was based on an inspection held in February, states: "The head knows the community and the pupils very well and has a very clear understanding of their needs.

"She provides very good leadership and has put in place good management systems for turning her vision for the future of the school into reality."

The report also says that the school's teachers and support assistants work well with children with special educational needs, and those pupils are making good progress towards their targets.

Standards are rising at the school, but the report states that it still needs to do more for more able students, who could do better in English and science, and speaking skills are not as they should be by year six. Attendances are well below average.

Overall, the quality of education at the school is good, according to the report, with a good quality of teaching.

Mrs Hope said: "This is a very good report, which reflects total commitment to the school and dedication of all staff, pupils, parents, the governing body and the community.''

Eldon Lane is one of 23 schools scheduled for closure in a £300m education shake-up by Durham County Council.

It has been proposed that the school should merge with Dene Valley Primary School, which has also been identified for closure. Under the proposals, both schools will be rehoused in a new building by next year.