A struggling school which was devastated by arsonists has risen from the ashes to be rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted.

Seven years ago Crossacres primary school in Wythenshawe was in special measures after inspectors ruled that teachers were ‘failing to give its pupils an acceptable standard of education’.

The school came out of special measures in 2004 but suffered a hammer blow when the nursery was burnt down in a suspected arson attack three years ago.

An investigation was launched but no one was ever charged.

Since then, the nursery has been rebuilt and the school has steadily improved.

Now it is celebrating after being rated outstanding following a new inspection by education watchdog Ofsted.

Their report praised ‘an unrelenting focus by all on continued improvement’ at the school, as well as a ‘rich and varied curriculum’.

It also highlights the school’s ‘impressive’ extra-curricular activities which include netball, gardening and keep-fit as well as frequent out-of-school visits.

Only six per cent of primary schools in the country are rated as ‘outstanding’.

Headteacher Suzanne Blay said staff were delighted.

She said: "We were told a lot quicker than we thought because we only had the inspection in October.

"It’s a really welcome boost for everyone just before Christmas. The fire was a knock back at the time - but the staff rallied round.

"It’s been a real team effort from all the teachers, governors and teaching assistants.

"Everyone is really proud and pleased that all the hard work has paid off. "

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