A headteacher is “thrilled” after receiving a letter praising her school – just months after being told it was failing.

Summerswood Primary School, in Furzehill Road, Borehamwood, was rated as ‘requires improvement’ by Ofsted inspectors who visited the school in November.

But since then, headteacher Sarah Kneller has worked to turn things around.

She has now received a letter from inspectors commending her on the positive changes she has made.

Last year's report said too few pupils make good progress in reading, writing and maths and criticised the inconsistency in the quality of teaching.

But the letter, received last week, said: “You have identified the school’s priorities for development accurately.

“I am pleased you have taken effective actions to tackle underperformance in teaching.

“I also note the community is overwhelmingly positive about your leadership of the school.”

The school was told it requires improvement in 2012, having previously been listed as ‘satisfactory’.

The November 2014 report shows that leadership and management and behaviour and safety of the pupils is now ‘good’.

The next report is scheduled for 2017 and inspectors say they Ms Kneller’s leadership is “critical” in ensuring the school improves quickly.

Speaking about the letter, Ms Kneller said: “We’re thrilled the work we are putting in has been recognised.

“Our attendance has improved which shows children want to be in school and are eager to learn.

“Credit has to go to my wonderful team – I know the letter is addressed to me but it’s a testament to the fantastic work they put in.

“We’ve put very clear plans in place to keep putting things forward, but we’ll never get there because there will always be something else to work for.

“Our aim is to become the best school in Borehamwood and we won’t stop until we get there.”