A Bradford primary, which took over a school once dubbed Britain’s worst, has seen a huge turnaround in its fortunes.

Bowling Park Primary, a two-site school in East Bowling, has now been awarded a good rating by schools’ watchdog Ofsted.

The school was expanded to two sites in 2008, when it took over nearby Usher Street Primary School.

At the time, Usher Street Primary had been labelled a failing school for five years – longer than any other school in the country.

Since Bowling Park Primary took over, many staff appointments and changes have been made, including the appointment of a new head teacher and leadership team.

The new-look school was rated satisfactory in 2010, but has now made further progress, according to the inspectors’ report.

It said: “Teaching has improved since the last inspection because leaders and subject leaders regularly check the quality of lessons and provide staff with good professional support in order to improve.

“There is some teaching that is outstanding, much of it is good and a small proportion requires improvement.

“Teachers plan their lessons effectively and in the best lessons work is always carefully matched to pupils’ individual needs.”

The report particularly praised head teacher Stuart Herrington, who has been leading the school since the 2008 expansion.

It said: “The inspirational head teacher has gained the full confidence and support of all staff in his drive for improvement. Staff are happy and determined to raise achievement for all pupils.”

The report added: “Teaching is checked and staff informed what to do to improve. Only a few variations remain between classes. Teachers are set targets based on their teaching and pupils’ progress. This has improved teaching because it ensures that teachers only move up the pay scale when they can clearly demonstrate that their teaching is good enough to secure good achievement.”

It said while attainment was still lower than average when children left at age 11, this was improving.

Mr Herrington said: “This good report is the result of optimism, determination and thousands of hours of hard work from children, staff and the community.”

He said he was particularly pleased at the way the quality of teaching had developed.”