STANDARDS in teaching have 'greatly' improved since St Gregory's High School was placed in special measures, a recent report has revealed.

The school on Cromwell Avenue has been making 'reasonable progress' to ensure that the school is now moving in the right direction.

Ofsted inspectors visited St Gregory's on July 8 and 9 as part of inspection to monitor the school's development.;

This is the second time Ofsted have visited the school since it failed its inspection in December, falling from the highest to lowest grading.

Head teacher Paul Heitzman, who officially took up the post at the start of the term, said he was looking forward to the future 'with great optimism'.

He said: "The school is pleased that Ofsted has recognised the progress that the school has made and the work will continue.

"The outstanding potential of this school is clear."

The report, which has been published on the Ofsted website, outlines how pupils have 'a strong sense that the school is a happier and safer environment' and disruptive behaviour has lessened.

Support from good and outstanding local schools, who have welcomed staff from St Gregory’s into their classrooms to observe good practice, has been described as ‘invaluable’ by teachers.

The interim leadership was also hailed as being 'highly effective in keeping the school on track towards removal from special measures'.

Although steps have been taken to see the school go from strength to strength, more work is still needed to return the school to its former glory.

Mr Heitzman added: "We are also proud of this year's exam results with 82 per cent of pupils gaining five or more A* to C grades and 70 per cent achieving five or more A* to C grades with English and maths.

"St Gregory's is again one of the top schools in Warrington."