A Whitehaven junior school has completed an impressive turnaround after it was rated good in its latest Ofsted report.

St Begh's Catholic Junior School, on Coach Road, had been inadequate in June 2016 but, after a recent visit, inspectors found it had been transformed.

The school was ranked good in effectiveness of leadership and management, quality of teaching, learning and assessment, personal development, behaviour and welfare and outcomes for pupil.

Headteacher Catherine Mallard said: "The whole school community are delighted by this long-awaited acknowledgement of the many notable strengths of our school.

"I am particularly proud of the recognition staff have received for the outstanding care given to the pupils of St. Begh’s and the way the positive environment within the school allows pupils to enjoy and achieve well.

"I would like to thank our families for supporting the school so well. As a staff, we are really looking forward to the future and the continued growth and success of the school."

The Ofsted highlighted outstanding provision for the personal development and welfare of children.

The report said: "The headteacher's focused and effective leadership has led to significant improvements across the school. Ably supported by the deputy headteacher, she has galvanised staff and reinvigorated their enthusiasm for teaching.

"Teachers' strong subject knowledge is underpinned by opportunities to improve their practice and share expertise with each other and with colleagues from other schools."

Inspectors also said the pupils' behaviour is good and strong relationships fostered by staff, combined with pupils' positive attitudes to learning, contribute effectively to good progress.

They added governors have a good understanding of the school’s strengths and areas for further improvement.

The school was also recently inspected by the Diocese of Lancaster Education Service.

A denominational inspection report found, since the last inspection, pupils have more opportunities to learn about, and meet people from, different faith backgrounds and good staff training has increased teacher knowledge and understanding of how to help all pupils to achieve well.

Chair of Governors, Deacon Stephen Scott said: "The successful outcome of both inspections has reaffirmed that all those involved in fulfilling the mission and vision of St. Begh's Catholic Junior School have fully embraced the effective and sustainable change and the journey of continuous improvement."

Findings included staff are "overwhelmingly supportive of the leadership of the head and deputy and are grateful of the opportunities they have been given to develop themselves professionally".

"St Begh's Catholic Junior School is a welcoming school," said the report. "The Mission Statement: 'Walking hand in hand in the footsteps of Christ' is prominently displayed in the school entrance and all around the school.

"It genuinely expresses the way the school community seeks to live out its faith."