Staff and pupils at a South Hams primary are celebrating after the school was transformed in just a year.

Salcombe Church of England Primary was told to make significant improvements following a visit by Ofsted inspectors in July 2006.

But a follow-up inspection last month found the school has done so well that it no longer needs significant improvement.

Inspectors agreed with one parent who told them: "The whole school has found renewed enthusiasm, energy and motivation which has certainly encouraged the children."

A pupil commented: "It's really good here now."

Lead inspector Martin Kerly said Salcombe was an improving school with a number of good features.

"Teaching has improved considerably since the last inspection," he said.

"Standards in English and maths rose in 2007. Standards are above average in English and broadly average in maths.

"The pupils enjoy school considerably, behaviour is good and they are very thoughtful and supportive of one another."

Sue Warne, headteacher: "This significant improvement is thanks to the hard work of the children and the tremendous support given to us by all the parents and governors, but most of all due to the dedicated, hardworking and conscientious team of staff."

A separate inspection report by the Diocese of Exeter has also highlighted the way the school has raised standards across the board.

In the new Ofsted report, Mr Kerly praises the school's new headteacher, Sue Warne, who was appointed just before the original inspection.

Her leadership and management is good and she is well supported by her staff, he says.

"The head has established a culture of continuous improvement and introduced effective systems to check on the work of the school and the progress being made by pupils," he said.

"This has had a significant impact on improving standards and the quality of provision for pupils.

"A good plan details how the school intends to improve further and staff are clear what is expected of them."

Mr Kerly said, to continue its rapid improvement, the school should raise standards in science to equal the improvement in English and maths, ensure pupils know how to improve their learning and provide more opportunities for pupils to learn about the cultural diversity of Britain.

A delighted Warne said: "This significant improvement is thanks to the hard work of the children and the tremendous support given to us by all the parents and governors, but most of all due to the dedicated, hardworking and conscientious team of staff.

"The areas for development had already been identified by the school and had been given priority in the School Development Plan before Ofsted arrived.

"I am pleased and excited to be continuing to lead the school forward with the support of an excellent team."

"We have now got a wonderful learning environment at Salcombe with our three new classrooms, our hall and our healthy meals and we all remain determined that standards and achievement will continue to improve."

A separate inspection report by the Diocese of Exeter has also praised the way Salcombe has raised standards across the school and the way this has had a positive impact on the personal development of every child.

The report says the way the school cares for its whole community, ensures children enjoy their learning, and is committed to enhancing the impact of its distinctive Christian character are all established strengths.