The headteacher of the most improved primary school in East Sussex said today: "It's all down to sheer hard work and determination."

Three years ago Barcombe Primary School, School Path, Barcombe, was judged to be struggling by Government inspectors, but a new headteacher and a change in the school ethos has seen a remarkable turn around.

Headteacher Barbara Dyer said she was delighted at the result which she put down to working long hours and the dedication of her five teachers.

She said: "I am really pleased about it. They are amazing results. The children have worked really hard and the teachers and the staff as well. It's about good team work and good leadership.

"Before, the results were quite a lot lower and I think there is a focus on standards and achievement within the school and we are working in partnership with the parents.

Government figures released on Wednesday for primary schools up and down the country revealed Barcombe School was the most improved in Sussex.

About 111 pupils attend the school which takes children from four to 11.

Mrs Dyer said "Three years ago this school had serious weaknesses. A year ago Ofsted came and said they were pleased with the improvements and this is like the icing on the cake.

"It is so lovely to put your own stamp on a school and then to get an affirmation from an outside agency saying it is okay. It is really rewarding."

But Mrs Dyer said they were not going to let their success go to their heads and have plenty more planned to keep on improving the school.

"We will carry on doing well with the children, focussing on their needs. We have a got a plan for the next year to carry on improving and making standards even higher.

"Even though we are the most improved school we are not going to get complacent.

"We have got very strong community links with people from the village. Because we are a small school we do get really involved."