A parent group which successfully campaigned against a school becoming academy when it was deemed failing has praised a headteacher after a dramatic improvement in results.

Ofsted earlier this year said Snaresbrook Primary School, in Meadow Walk, South Woodford, was failing in all aspects and placed in special measures, prompting the Department of Education to recommend it move out of local authority control.

But campaigners, supported by councillors, insisted changes were already in place to raise standards and the government withdrew its recommendation in October.

The school has now achieved the highest rise in the borough in tests taken before they leave for secondary education.

Save Snaresbrook chairwoman, Victoria Baskerville, said: “Snaresbrook parents are absolutely delighted with the improved results.

“We are not surprised though, as we've always believed in our community school, a school worth  fighting for.

“The key focus of our 'no to academisation campaign' was that improvements had already been made and were continuing.

“Our thanks go to Julie Wilson, associate head teacher, who was instrumental to these encouraging results. We look forward to Snaresbrook going from strength to strength.”

Cllr Alan Weinberg, cabinet member for children's services, said: “Snaresbrook Primary School should be extremely proud of this achievement.

“The level of improvement shows the dedication and hard work that everyone has put in.

“The teaching team and pupils themselves will continue to build on this success to ensure a continued high level of achievement which is well above the national average.”

The school has seen 87 per cent of pupils achieve the national requirement of Level 4 or above in reading, writing and maths - an 11 per cent improvement on last year.

The school did not wish to comment.