A Croydon school that was heavily criticised by Ofsted for the lack of progress made by students in maths and science has just received its best ever Sats results in the two subjects.

Coulsdon High School was placed into special measures in February after an Ofsted inspection concluded that pupils were making little progress.

However, in the key stage 3 national curriculum tests the school achieved the best science and maths results in its performance history, which, according to headteacher Colin Mackinlay, "is great news for the students and a testimony to how hard they and their teachers have worked".

In maths, nearly 50 per cent of students achieved level six or above, compared with 33 per cent last year and a previous best of 42 per cent.

While almost 70 per cent achieved level five and above.

Almost a third of year nine students managed level six or above in science, compared with only 16 per cent the previous year, with 65 per cent achieving level five or above.

Kay Cleary, chair of the governing body, said: "News of the improved results in these two core subjects will reassure parents.

"They can be confident that the school is able to provide a good education for their sons and daughters."

Mr Mackinlay added: "What these results prove is that students who come to Coulsdon High School can excel and we have a team of dedicated, highly qualified staff determined to help them achieve their full potential.

"We are by no means complacent, this is just the start. Our aim is to improve our results year on year."

Following the damning Ofsted report, letters of support from parents have been sent to the school and a target date of summer 2007 has been agreed with the local education authority for it to come out of special measures.

"It was disappointing but clearly it is about results and student performance and we are moving in the right direction," Mr Mackinlay said.

"I decided to think to the future and make new appointments which I think have been brilliant. There are lots of good teachers out there that are up for a challenge and we're very pleased about where we are now."