The headteacher of Stanley Technical High School for Boys has set his sights on having the most improved GCSE results this summer after the school was taken out of special measures.

The school, in South Norwood Hill, was put in special measures in May 2003, but has recovered in double-quick time prompting Ofsted inspectors to describe the turnaround as an "extraordinary achievement".

The school took only five terms to improve standards. Ofsted set a national target of six terms for schools to pull themselves out of special measures.

A school is deemed to be in special measures if inspectors believe it is failing or likely to fail.

Headteacher Paul Morris, who only joined Stanley Tech in February last year, has played an integral part in guiding the school out of special measures.

He said: "I am thoroughly delighted with the news. I am very proud of the staff and the pupils.

"The school has certainly had its problems in the past but it's great news that we have turned it around."

Mr Morris was quick to pay testament to pupils at the secondary school.

He said: "The Stanley Tech boys know that the school has moved forward. They are better motivated, better turned out and better behaved. They have played a huge role in our success."

However, Mr Morris was quick to point out that work is far from finished and reiterated the need to continue improving.