A FAILING Runcorn primary school put into special measures by Ofsted inspectors has been transformed into a flourishing academy.

The Park in Plantation Close, Castlefields has been re-named Bridgewater Park Academy and is now celebrating a bright new image.

Pupils in years two and six have just achieved the school's best results in the past three years.

The building has been extensively refurbished with modern classrooms and a new library.

Pupils designed their own new purple, green and white uniform.

Specialist secondary school staff from The Heath have been sharing their knowledge and expertise, providing maths and English tuition and dance sessions.

Every pupil learns French, has music lessons and works with a professional artist.

Children eat their lunch in groups to stimulate conversation.

Head teacher Paul Holloway said: "We have created a new culture to break the mould and give children the resources to go on and achieve.

"It is about ensuring that every child reaches their full potential, providing excellent teaching and learning opportunities, a broad and balanced curriculum and engaging with our parents and the wider community."

Parents organised a summer fair and are encouraged to be closely involved in their children's progress.

Executive Principal Heather Mullaney, a national leader of education from the Heath Family, a trust of schools, said: "Our ambition is to be a good school because that is what the children deserve and need.

"We have given them a beautiful library to develop their love of reading.

"It's about creating a climate and environment for learning.

"The local authority has worked tirelessly with us through the transformation. They have been absolutely fantastic and are still on the governing body.

"Weston School has helped enormously too, providing help and support.

"Staff from The Heath have been mentoring and buddying up and sharing good practice.

"We have been doing a lot of joint training together.

"We see the school as an agent for change so that it is at the heart of the learning community for children and their parents."