Pupils, staff and governors at a Bradford primary school are celebrating after inspectors have declared it is no longer failing - and has the capacity to become "outstanding."

Undercliffe Primary school failed an inspection by education watchdog Ofsted in May 2002 and was placed in special measures.

Inspectors at the time found that although the lessons they observed were mostly satisfactory or good, the standard of teaching over time was unsatisfactory.

Now the school, in Peel Park Drive in Undercliffe, has been removed from the category after a two-day inspection.

Headteacher Diane Adam who was employed to turn the school round after it went into special measures said everyone was delighted with the news.

"We are extremely proud to announce that inspectors have now taken us out of special measures after they found

the school has no weaknesses," she said.

"The key point is that they recognised we have not only pulled ourselves out of special measures but that they also recognised we have the capacity to excel.

"I would like to thank all the staff whose unstinting efforts have been instrumental in bringing about the improvements."

Inspectors also praised the good behaviour of the pupils and their enthusiasm for learning.

Yesterday a letter was sent home declaring the success and thanking parents for their continued support.

Councillor Dale Smith, Bradford Council's executive member for education, said: "Clearly it's brilliant news for the staff as it recognises how hard they must have worked and how pupils must have responded that degree of professionalism.

"I congratulate them in their achievements," Mr Smith said.

Earlier this month the Telegraph & Argus reported how the school applied to take part in the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) Fresh Start scheme.

Education Bradford has submitted the proposals to the DfES.

Under the scheme the school would close, re-open with a new name, and have its £118,083 deficit wiped out.

A DfES spokesman said it had agreed to fund the Fresh Start, subject to the agreement of Bradford's School Organisation Committee.

St Augustine's Primary School in Undercliffe which is in special measures and has a £282,360 debt, will also join the Fresh Start programme.