The remarkable transformation that has taken place since Bowling Park Primary School took over Usher Street Primary five years ago is worthy of real celebration.

At the time, Usher Street had been dubbed one of the worst schools in the country, and had been labelled as failing for five years.

Now, under the stewardship of headteacher Stuart Herrington, the two-site school has been given a good rating by Ofsted inspectors.

While this newspaper is always prepared to lead calls for improvement in educational standards, we are equally always delighted to be able to offer plaudits where they are due.

And this is certainly such a case. The turnaround in fortunes for the former Usher Street school is incredible, and shows what can be done with the right leadership and improved teaching standards.

The quality of leadership should not be understated. The inspection is fulsome in its praise of the head, describing him as ‘inspirational’ and having gained the full confidence of his staff.

If progress continues, as seems likely, it seems certain the school will be judged as outstanding at its next inspection.

It should stand as a beacon to other schools in the district, particularly those not performing as well as they might at the moment.

What can be achieved with the right staff and the right support here at Bowling Park Primary School can theoretically be achieved anywhere.

This is the level of teaching our children deserve, and it is the level of success all our schools should be aspiring to reach.