A grammar school has been taken out of special measures.

Action was taken at Stretford Grammar in February 2009 after Ofsted inspectors found leadership and management, the standards of education and overall effectiveness were inadequate.

It was the first grammar school in the country to be placed in special measures, and Stretford and Urmston MP Beverley Hughes said it was a ‘shocking indictment’ of the management of the school.

It happened just weeks after the resignation of headteacher Peter Cookson, following an extended period of sick leave.

But this week it was announced by Ofsted that the school has been taken out of special measures after an inspection at the beginning of March found it to be satisfactory in most areas and good in others including capacity to improve and effectiveness of care, guidance and support.

David Wilson, the headteacher at Sale Grammar School, was brought in as acting headteacher and his deputy Michael Mullins is now due to officially take over as head of Stretford Grammar.

Paul Roberts, chief advisor for school improvement said this move was key to turning the school around so quickly.

"Because we were able to put new leadership into the school immediately, it could begin to improve straight away," he said.

Mr Mullins said the key to improving the school was to make sure basic things, such as a system for quality assurance and clear hierarchies of responsibility, were in place.

"It was a case of back to basics really. While this is fantastic news for the school, and richly deserved, everyone recognises this is the start, not the end. We have a continuing improvement and development programme in place and remain determined in our aims of bringing about further improvements."

Ms Hughes commended the school, saying: "I want to congratulate staff, parents and pupils for this achievement and for the work they’ve done to begin to turn Stretford Grammar around."

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