A school which has gone from being placed in special measures to being recognised as “outstanding” has received a £250,000 boost.

Ramnoth Junior School has been successful in its application for the second phase of the Priority School Building Programme (PSBP2) – a programme aimed at improving school buildings.

The funding will be spent on replacing the school’s outdated dining and kitchen facilities.

In 2012 the school was placed in special measures by Ofsted, but under the leadership of headteacher Karen Crawley it has improved dramatically.

In 2013 only 19 per cent of pupils were achieving the expected level 4 or above in reading, writing and maths. By 2014 that number had risen to 60 per cent.

The school became an academy as part of The Elliot Foundation Academy Trust in October 2013, when it joined with Nene Infants School, allowing it to operate over two sites.

Trish Martin, estates director at the Elliot Foundation said: “The Elliot Foundation is delighted to have received confirmation today that Ramnoth Junior School is to benefit from capital funding under the Priority Schools Building Programme.

“Although the amount of funding has not been confirmed, the project will deal with the replacement of the existing 1940s dining and kitchen block, which has reached the end of its life and no longer offers appropriate provision.

“We look forward to working with the Education Funding Agency to scope the project and deliver the new facilities in the new financial year.”

Mr Barclay, MP for North East Cambs said: “This week’s announcement is another positive step forward for the school. “Great credit is due to principal Karen Crawley, staff, parents and pupils.

“I will be visiting the school next month to witness improvements first-hand and I’m look forward to seeing the progress made.”