A RURAL primary school has continued to raise standards two years after coming out of special measures.

Upton CE Primary School, in School Lane, has improved its Key Stage 1 and 2 results every year for the last three, with targets in all core subjects "exceeded" in 2003.

Just over two years ago the school was in special measures to monitor its substandard performance.

However, Government inspectors said teaching, pupils' attitudes, partnerships with parents and the community and pupil guidance were now all major strengths.

And the only blemishes on the Upton-upon-Severn school's report were "below average" attainment in art and imprecise targets for those with special educational needs.

"Since the school was last inspected in 2001 the rate of improvement has been good," said the Ofsted report.

"Its caring atmosphere results in the very effective personal development of all pupils, who achieve well and make progress because the teaching is good throughout the school.

"This is based on consistently high expectations and the care they take to make sure all pupils are involved in all lessons."

The four-man inspection team, which visited last term, was in no doubt as to the driving force behind the school's upturn in fortunes.

"The school has built on its success in coming out of special measures largely due to the very effective work of the headteacher," it said.

"He provides very good leadership that promotes a constant drive for improvement, and has established a very clear school plan that enables the management of the school to be very good."

Headteacher Mark Mumby was thrilled the school had received recognition for its transformation, but said they would not rest on their laurels.

"The findings clearly identify the strengths of the school and recognise the hard work and commitment put in by the children, parents, staff and governors," he said.

"It is a credit to everyone involved that the school has received such a good report.

"We will continue to develop through our very thorough self evaluation process in our vision of 'striving for excellence'."