A previously failing Grahame Park primary school has received special praise from school inspectors for its speedy recovery.

The Orion Primary School was formed in 2000 from the merger of the failing Grahame Park Infant and Junior schools and was put into special measures. But in its latest Ofsted inspection, it was found to be a very good school which provides a quality learning experience to all children regardless of their circumstances.

Since 1999 results at Key Stage Three have risen 52 per cent in maths and more than 35 per cent in English and science.

Headteacher Chris Flathers said: "We were especially pleased with the comments because we set our sights high and overcame the difficulties of this area.

"It is superb for the community because the school did have a terrible name on the estate and it is great to face such challenging circumstances and see you can do more. It is very rewarding to be acknowledged."

The school in Lanacre Avenue is one of 99 mentioned by Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Schools David Bell in the annual report on standards and quality in education published yesterday.

Brookhill Nursery in Brookhill Road, East Barnet; St Paul's C of E Primary in the Ridgeway, Mill Hill, and The Compton School in Summers Lane, North Finchley, were also commended for their high achievements in the latest Ofsted inspections.

Dame Alice Owen's School in Dugdale Hill Lane, Potters Bar, was singled out in Hertsmere. Of the 600 schools and colleges mentioned nationwide, 22 per cent were in London.