SCHOOL standards body Ofsted has reversed its decision to place an Eltham school in special measures after it was taken to the High Court.

Crown Woods School, in Riefield Road, Eltham, was placed under special measures following a short inspection of the school in March.

But its governors launched an unprecedented High Court appeal to overturn the verdict of Ofsted inspectors in August.

Ofsteds U-turn avoided a formal challenge of the decision at a judicial review in the High Court.

The governors and Greenwich Councils education officers were concerned at the short notice of the inspection, the way in which it was conducted, without a clear framework, and evidence the judgement was based on.

Chairman of governors, Steve Offord said: The decision to place the school in special measures had a devastating effect on everyone connected with Crown Woods and it was very important for us to see that justice was done.

Greenwich Council leader, Councillor Chris Roberts said: I am extremely pleased this has been resolved. It was very important for us to defend one of our schools when we believed it was being treated unfairly.

We will continue to push for improvements at the school as we do throughout the borough.

Story to be updated......