PUPILS and staff at a Stockton primary school are celebrating after receiving an Ofsted report showing great improvements have been made.

The inspectors noted how, following a period of some change and difficulties, St John the Baptist Primary School, in Ragworth, has made significant improvements in all areas of its work and is now an "effective school with good ethos".

The report highlighted how the shared commitment to succeed by staff and pupils means that standards across the school have risen and are continuing to rise.

It also stated that the school has made good progress since the last inspection with all issues either resolved or continuing to be addressed through the School Improvement Plan.

Headteacher Maxine Coss said: "We are very pleased with the outcome of our Ofsted inspection.

"Staff are extremely hardworking and committed to providing a good education for our children and deserve this success.

"Good relationships encourage pupils' positive attitudes to school, which are recorded as a school strength."

The school is working on some areas for improvement including continuing to raise standards in literacy and numeracy; improving boys' attainment; and encouraging parents to ensure pupils arrive at school on time.