A POOLE school is looking forward to a bright future after coming out of more than two years of special measures.

Talbot Combined School in Wallisdown is now “a satisfactory school which has changed significantly for the better”, according to inspectors from Ofsted.

Their latest report says: “Pupils now enjoy coming to school, as is evident in their improved attendance. There is a more effective curriculum and more good teaching. Pupils feel very safe at the school and their behaviour has improved markedly.”

The report also praises head teacher Kate Curtis, who took over last September after five years as head of Wimborne First School.

“The head teacher’s infectious drive and energy have filtered into all layers of leadership. All staff are now working towards a common goal and can point to marked improvements in all aspects of school life.

“There is an unwavering desire by all leaders to see the school improve further and their strong capacity to achieve this is evident from the progress they have made in the journey out of special measures.”

The school, which can take just under 500 pupils aged four to 12, was the first in the town to be given a formal warning that it needed to improve in November 2009. It was placed in special measures the following January after inspectors found a number of failings.

Two affiliated heads were put into the school for two terms and an action plan implemented to make urgent improvements.

Mrs Curtis told the Echo: “We have really good quality teaching staff – 70 per cent are good and above and over a third of the school has outstanding teachers. It makes an enormous difference.

“We have worked very closely with the parents. They know we’re working with them, for them and for the children. It’s been quite overwhelming how supportive the community is.

“The school has enormous potential. It was a dream to come into. It’s been challenging, no doubt about it, but I strongly believe this is going to be one of the best schools in Poole. The grounds are spectacular, there are amazing sports facilities and the future is looking fantastic.”