A BARROW school has moved out of special financial measures for the first time in five years.

Chetwynde School headteacher Steve Jefferson said it had 'not been an easy journey' but felt the school could now 'move forward in confidence'.

“We are thrilled that today marks a milestone and we look forward to continued success," he said.

"Throughout everything, our priority has been on ensuring our pupils have access to excellent education."

The site in Rating Lane was hit with a financial notice to improve by the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) in June 2016.

The ESFA said the school had 'failed to demonstrate adequate financial control' and had been unable to provide 'assurance on its current and future financial position'.

The school, which teaches ages four to 16, says its participation in the South Cumbria Multi-Academy Trust (SCMAT) has been pivotal to its financial improvement.

Furness College, Barrow, received approval to invite primary and secondary schools to join SCMAT last year. SCMAT aims to 'improve education for young people' through the sharing of expertise, facilities and teaching.

Andrew Wren, principal and chief executive of Furness College, described the Chetwynde School news as a 'day for celebration'.

"I have been to meet all the staff and I am delighted we have got to this position in a matter of 11 months," he said.

“I feel extremely fortunate to have such a good school with enthusiastic and talented leaders and staff as our founding member [of SCMAT] and it’s a fitting way to mark my sixth anniversary as principal of Furness College.

“We know the hard work is not all behind us, but the continued success of schools like Chetwynde - with its unique offer of education right through from nursery to GCSEs - is so important to the Furness and south Cumbria community."

Mr Wren said his college was already reaping the benefits of SCMAT - welcoming its first French A-level students in a number of years with the help of a French tutor from Chetwynde.