The transformation of Chudleigh Knighton C of E Primary School from also-ran to class leader has been confirmed after Ofsted inspectors said progress was so good that they need not visit until next autumn.

In May 2006 standards at the failing primary were so poor that a 'notice to improve' was issued, a step only just above that of putting the school into special measures and imposing a new management team.

Since then it has come under the wing of the First Federation and executive head Paul Jones, who is based at Blackpool C of E Primary.

Mr Jones oversees five primary schools, the largest federation in the county.

While he takes care of the administration and back room duties, each school has a head of learning and teaching whose role is purely to drive up academic standards.

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