A Poole middle school has made such good progress that it has come out of special measures six months earlier than expected.

Canford Heath Middle School in Learoyd Road became the borough’s first federated school in a bid to raise standards, shortly after being put into special measures in March 2008.

Now an Ofsted inspection has deemed it to be improving rapidly and offering a satisfactory education to its 413 pupils aged eight to 12.

Under Sue Pelham, executive head teacher of the first and middle school, inspectors have found it to be a different place.

“The vision, determination and perseverance of the executive head teacher and senior leaders have been instrumental in the school’s improvement,” says the report.

“They have monitored the work of the school well, and tackled systematically all the issues that required improvement.”

Standards are rising, pupils are making satisfactory progress, teaching has improved significantly and teachers have worked hard to provide an interesting and lively curriculum.

Some was inspiring and highly effective, particularly in English and maths. However there is still work to do to bring the quality of some lessons up to the standard of the best.

Pupils’ behaviour is better than it used to be, they receive good care and support and their achievement and enjoyment have improved significantly.

To improve further the school needs to accelerate progress with the small group of pupils who have made slow or limited progress, ensure teaching is consistently good or better and address the concerns of a small number of pupils who feel behaviour needs improving.

Chris Youlden, chairman of the federation, said the governing body was delighted the school had come out of special measures so soon: “We warmly congratulate Mrs Pelham and school staff for their hard work in this achievement and recognise the importance this has for Canford Heath children.

“Governors will continue to provide effective support in further improving this successful school,” he said.