A DEVIZES junior school is celebrating after for the first time in its 50 year history it has been rated good by Ofsted inspectors.

Southbroom St James has undergone a dramatic improvement by moving from the lowest ranking of inadequate to second highest of good in under two years.

Executive headteacher Andrew Wilson pledged in January, 2017 that he would turn the school around and reach a good rating and now he is delighted that his prediction has come true.

He said: "I always knew it was possible but it was wonderful to get the official confirmation of all of the hard work that has gone into achieving it."

Mr Wilson, who was brought in to improve the school, made major changes to all aspects of the school life and brought in a new senior management team with Gareth Bailey as head of school and Bethany Maidment as assistant head.

Miss Maidment said: "We really hope the town will join us in celebrating our good rating. This is something special in the history of the school."

Mark Lacey, CEO of the Diocese of Salisbury Academy Trust, said "I am extremely pleased with the outcome of the Ofsted inspection particularly for the recognition given to leaders at all levels for their strong leadership in turning the school around. This has been a tremendous team effort."

Mr Wilson, Executive said: "In January 2017 we promised to secure a 'good' outcome. There was a lot to put right following the last inspection however the team of staff appointed to drive the school forward has been relentless in their pursuit of securing a positive inspection outcome. We are very proud that we've been able to keep our promise of going straight to good.

"The children were incredibly proud to show off their school to the inspectors and were recognised for their consistently good attitudes to learning and good behaviour."