Teachers from all corners of the globe

They have come from all over the world - but, in the space of the past year, they have played a crucial role in turning round one of London's most challenging schools.

White Hart Lane School in Tottenham, previously condemned by Ofsted inspectors for poor standards and chaotic discipline, is on the up.

And today, as the schools watchdog officially removes it from the list of near-failing schools, head teacher David Daniels paid tribute to the efforts of 39 overseas teachers - nearly half its total staff - in achieving the transformation.

"They have been an important part of what has happened here," he said. "Everybody is delighted at the achievement of the school over the past year, and it would not have happened without them."

His praise cuts across an Ofsted report published yesterday, which painted overseas teachers as part of the problem in inner-city education.

Mr Daniels said their diverse talents were an indispensable benefit. The most recent Ofsted report on the school reflected improved pupil behaviour and rising achievement, and Mr Daniels said much of that was attributed to overseas teachers.

White Hart Lane School reflects the ethnic mix of its north London surroundings. In all, pupils speak 60 languages.

Mr Daniels was forced to look abroad for teaching talent after being faced with vacant posts he was unable to fill with British teachers.

There is also another reason. White Hart Lane School's pupils include traumatised refugees from war-torn countries across the globe and Mr Daniels believes teachers who understand their language and culture can be invaluable in helping them to cope and learn.