Workington's St Joseph's School has turned its fortunes around after being told it must improve.

The school, on Harrington Road, was told by watchdog Ofsted in 2013 that it must improve.

After their latest visit, inspectors rated the school as good.

Their report said: "The progress made by the majority of pupils currently in the school is improving strongly and rapidly. School leaders have an accurate view of the quality of teaching.

"Pupils have very positive attitudes to learning. They take pride in their work and behave well in lessons and during social times.

"Governors make a strong contribution to the school. They are very well informed and hold senior leaders to account firmly."

Tom Ryan, headteacher, said: "I'm very pleased for the pupils, staff and parents. Education isn't an easy business, but when schools and families are working together they obtain good results. 

"We did not put on a show for Ofsted, we showed them what St Joseph’s is typically like on a daily basis and I am delighted they were so impressed."

The report said that the school needed to improve pupils' outcomes after the number achieving GCSE grades A* to C in five or more subjects including English and maths fell significantly below the national average.

It added: "Senior leaders, supported and challenged by governors, have made strenuous efforts to improve achievement at all levels.

"As a result, current pupils in years seven to 11 and in most subjects, including English and mathematics, are making much faster progress this year. 

"The school predicts that both progress and attainment will rise substantially in 2016 and will be much closer to national averages."

It added that the progress made by disadvantaged pupils was not improving as fast as it was for other children.

The school must reduce the persistent absence of disadvantaged pupils.

Mr Ryan said: "On the absence, it was recognised in my conversation with the inspectors that this is not unique to our school.

"Cumbria, like some other rural communities, has a high rate of persistent absence for disadvantaged children.

"We're working with our attendance officer and strengthening our support team to have somebody in our team who would act as a family liaison officer to ensure that children come to school."

Mr Ryan, who retires this summer after 11 years as headteacher of the school, added: "Though I am leaving, our school is in safe hands and the future is positive.

"I can say this with absolute confidence because we have ambitious governors, hardworking pupils, supportive parents and outstanding professionals, all of whom are committed to helping young people and preparing them for a challenging future."