A secondary school has turned around its failings in just six months - a process which usually takes at least two years.

Ofsted inspectors say Kirkby Stephen Grammar School is now a good school.

In March it was plunged into special measures, with its safeguarding taking heavy criticism and judged to be inadequate.

School leaders at the time said it was because of its "lack of a fence" and "inadequate site security".

Teaching and learning and pupil outcomes were judged to be good.

Now, following the latest inspection on September 12 and 13, all areas of Kirkby Stephen Grammar School's operations have been found to be good.

Inspectors say leaders have tackled problems "quickly and robustly".

Their report adds: "They have brought about significant improvements in a short time as a result.

"There is a significant shift in the culture of safeguarding, which now runs throughout the school."

New headteacher Gary Hartley said: "This judgement is a testament to the hard-work and commitment of the staff and students since suffering the shock of being categorised as inadequate and placed in ‘special measures’."

John Weir, new chairman of the governing body, added: "This report focusses on so many of the strengths which make a small school like ours such a special place.

"Few people believed we could turn an inadequate judgement into a good one in such a short time and that we have done so is testament to the dedication of everyone, staff, pupils and governors at KSGS."