A dramatic turnaround at a Bath primary school has seen it go from a rating of inadequate to one of outstanding in just three years.

Southdown Infant School was graded inadequate by inspectors in 2006 but is now classed by Ofsted as one of the best primaries in the country after three years of hard work from staff, parents and pupils.

The latest report commended the Mount Road school for its leadership, quality of teaching and its caring environment and said the children were eager and enthusiastic to learn.

The school was graded as outstanding in every single inspection area.

Headteacher Sue Adams thanked her staff and pupils for their contribution to the school's success and said she felt privileged to work alongside them.

She said: "We are delighted with the brilliant report and the recognition of how special and successful Southdown Infant School is.

"This is due to the dedication and skill of our fantastic staff team, working with the support and involvement of the governors and families at Southdown.

"Everyone who visits the school comments on its warm and friendly ethos and our staff are passionate about providing the best opportunities for every child so that they go on to achieve exceptionally well both academically and socially.

"I feel very privileged to work with such a great team of children and staff."

The school, which has 134 pupils, is now classed among the top 14 per cent of primaries in the country after its inspection in June.

Chair of governors Hilary Mayne said the report was "well-deserved".

She said: "The children of Southdown Infant School make exceptional progress in their learning and are incredibly well supported and cared for by a very capable and professional team of staff and governors."

The inspectors recognised the excellent progress that pupils made during their time at Southdown Infants and said staff were ambitious for the children, going the "extra mile" to help them to success.

The report said: "This is an outstanding school.

"It is exceptionally successful in meeting the wide-ranging needs of its pupils and ensuring that each individual benefits from all that it has to offer."

Parent and local councillor Gerry Curran (Lib Dem, Twerton) said the report confirmed what he and many others already knew.

He said: "While as a parent and a member of the local community, I have always believed Southdown Infants to be a first class school, it is very satisfying to have this confirmed by Ofsted.

"As a local councillor representing many residents who, as I do, have children attending Southdown Infants, it is reassuring to know, that regardless of where we live, and our own personal circumstances, we have schools where our children receive a good education in all of its aspects.

"This confirms for me my long held belief that if we support our local schools they will endeavour to support us, and our children throughout their school life."

School governor and fellow councillor Paul Crossley (Lib Dem, Southdown) added: "The school has been continuously improving for several years now and this inspection, which makes it one of the best in the land, is tremendous recognition for everyone."

Bath and North East Somerset Council's cabinet member for children's services Cllr Chris Watt (Con, Midsomer Norton Redfield) added: "This is a truly excellent report and one that the school can be very proud of."

To read the full report go to http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/oxedu_reports/display/(id)/110732.