A NEW headteacher has helped to transform a struggling school in Hook, according to a report.

In May 2007, Hook Junior School, in Church View, was given notice to improve by Government watchdog Ofsted, after it scored an inadequate rating during an inspection.

The report criticised school leaders for failing to provide sufficient direction.

But inspectors praised the leadership of headteacher Lynn Martin in the latest inspection in May this year.

Overall, the school achieved a good rating - the second highest score possible - and, over the 26 categories judged, the school achieved either good or satisfactory, with one outstanding rating.

In his report, lead inspector Christopher Parker wrote: "The school is improving rapidly because the new headteacher has brought drive, organisation and clear direction to the leadership of the school.

"She is ably supported by the deputy headteacher. Together, they have galvanised the whole staff and challenged them to improve the quality of teaching, accelerate pupils' progress and raise standards to the exceptionally high levels achieved just a few years ago.

"A great deal has been achieved in a very short time."

Mrs Martin, who moved to the school in January this year from Long Sutton Primary School, said: "I'm absolutely delighted. It's not just an improvement, it's a significant improvement.

"Personally, it's been very rewarding but, as a team, we have all pulled together and that's been one of the key factors at the school."

The headteacher said staff morale when she came to the school in January was low.

She said: "The climate has changed. People did not trust one another and the leadership and it was not until I was able to come in and solve these things that the climate built up as one of trust."