STUDENTS and staff are celebrating an impressive turnaround which has seen a Poole School taken from Special Measures to outstanding in less than two years.

Ofsted inspectors gave Magna Academy top marks across the board after spending two days examining all aspects of the Canford Heath School.

Just two years ago the then Ashdown School was failing with falling rolls and a poor reputation.

But since being taken over by the Aspirations Academies Trust it has dramatically improved and received high praise from the inspection team.

They praised "inspirational leadership" from Principal Richard Tutt and senior leaders and said it has "brought about very rapid improvements in the qualify of education."

They added: "Many students start at the academy with lower achievement in reading, writing and mathematics than expected for their age. Excellent teaching enables students to catch up quickly. They make outstanding progress in many subjects."

They went on to praise "very high" standards of teaching, "impeccable" behaviour, and the "excellent" sixth form.

They added: "Students have an eagerness to learn. Many attend additional lessons before and after the normal school day, at weekends or during the school holidays."

The range of GCSE and A level subjects offered at the school has been expanded and inspectors suggested the range be expanded further as resources allow.

The school, in Ashdown Road, has 637 pupils between the ages of 11 and 18, 91 of whom are in the sixth form.

Mr Tutt said: "This report is testament to the tremendous hard work of staff, governors and students. We are all exceptionally proud of this fantastic outcome for both Magna and the community.

"I am delighted that a school that was failing its community for such a long period of time has been totally transformed to one that is now providing an outstanding education for its students."

The Ofsted visit took place on June 9 and 10 and was carried out by a team of four inspectors. They observed lessons, scrutinised written work, studied documents and met with staff, governors and students. parents were also consulted.