The headteacher of a Norwich school celebrating big improvements admitted she would have had to 'consider her position' if a recent Ofsted inspection had gone 'the wrong way'.

George White Junior School, at Silver Road, has been rated good by inspectors having made major strides over the past year.

In 2011, the school was below the government's floor target for achievement at Key Stage 2 and still had the spectre of a satisfactory judgement from Ofsted in 2010 hanging over it.

But just 12 months on, the site has been praised by inspectors for its strong leadership and management, good – and sometimes outstanding – teaching, and well-behaved children who are proud of their school.

When the government's primary school league tables are published this week, they will also show significantly-improved exam results with 70pc of youngsters now achieving at least a level four at KS2 in English and maths.

June Sewell, George White Junior headteacher, said schools were under a lot of pressure to perform well during inspections.

She said: 'We will now have three years at least until the next inspection, which means we can really get on with the work that needs to be done. It's terrifying, the thought of Ofsted coming, even though they are really friendly when they're here. If it goes the wrong way, you really have to consider your position at the school. I would have done.'

But the headteacher said she was 'thrilled' with the inspectors' report.

'It's been an awful lot of work,' she said. 'Everybody has worked really, really hard. The school is definitely a different place to where I came three years ago. Everybody has been involved.'

Following their visit last month, inspectors rated the school 'good' in all four assessment areas.

A report by lead inspector Susan Thomas-Pounce said: 'Teaching is good in all subjects and sometimes outstanding in mathematics. Good subject knowledge and very good relationships contribute to the positive atmosphere found throughout the school. Pupils feel safe and well cared for.'

Pupils were said to be improving in reading, writing and mathematics and achieve as well as their peers at other schools and sometimes better. The report added: 'They develop the skills they need for the future.'

Mrs Sewell said she would continue to aim high and had her sights set on ensuring even more lessons were outstanding to help the school progress further.