A STRUGGLING school once condemned by education chiefs has been taken out of special measures after a headteacher began cleaning up its act.

John Madejski Academy was rated inadequate in 2015 following a damning report by the education watchdog about the standard of education.

However, a more recent Ofsted inspection has seen the Hartland Road school taken out of special measures and headteacher Laura Ellener was praised for turning things around after just one year at the helm.

She told the Chronicle: "This is a huge achievement and great credit is due to the children that attend the Academy and the teachers and support-staff that are committed to working alongside them. We are proud of many of the Academy’s achievements and improvements.

"Our results last year showed significant improvement, particularly in Maths and Science. The excellent 2017 A Level and BTEC National results enabled more pupils than ever before to gain a place at University or secure an Apprenticeship or work offer.

"I am delighted that Ofsted recognised these and many other strengths.

"I would like to say a huge thank you to the staff, students and governors for all their hard work and commitment which enabled the inspectors to arrive at this judgment.”

JMA's effectiveness of leadership and management was rated as ‘good’ and Ofsted commended the head and her newly formed team as both "ambitious and skilful".

The school is still rated as 'requires improvement' overall.

Mary Raill, chair of governors, said the school would continue to strive for an 'outstanding' rating.

She added: “The governors are delighted that Ofsted have recognised the huge improvements that Laura Ellener and her staff have made at the Academy over the last 12 months. We are all committed to achieving an outstanding rating as our students continue to thrive and succeed.”