A SCHOOL branded inadequate by education inspectors has marked an incredible turnaround to be rated good in every area.

A long-awaited Ofsted report on the Cecil Jones Academy in Eastern Avenue, published on Friday, shows inspectors reported all five inspection areas to be good.

These were quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management and sixth form provision.

The school was found to be inadequate and placed in special measures in December 2017, before being transferred from Legra Academy Trust to the Loxford Schools Trust in April 2019.

In a remarkable turnaround, the report, which leaves the school a step away from outstanding, said: “Pupils and sixth-form students at Cecil Jones Academy are enthusiastic and engaged learners. They want to do well in their studies. Most rise to staff’s high expectations for achievement and conduct. Pupils, like staff, will not put up with ‘any nonsense’.

“They call out disrespectful behaviour. Pupils value others for who they are. They respect each other regardless of beliefs or background.”

The school has 974 students aged from 11 to 18, with a high number of pupils who need extra support. The report said extra staff had been brought in to help these pupils “get the support they need”

Helen Boyd (pictured above), councillor responsible children’s services, education and learning, welcomed the news. She said: “I would like to congratulate them. They have worked so hard to get to that position and my thanks go out on behalf of the whole school community to all the people who have worked so hard and benefited the lives of the children in the future.

“It’s really good news and to be good in all areas it’s a huge leap and it does reflect all their work.”

Previously reported rowdy behaviour at the school has been overcome thanks to strong discipline, with some youngsters suspended if necessary.

The report said: “Staff follow the behaviour policy consistently. The school has strong routines so that pupils understand the expectations clearly. Lessons are calm, and social times are civil. Typically, staff manage well those who exhibit challenging behaviours.

“However, suspensions are high for pupils in Years 10 and 11. Staff are using a range of strategies to help re-engage pupils in their learning. Pupils who join from other schools on a managed move are successful in their placements.”

Concerns had been raised that the school had not been inspected since 2019. The latest inspection took place on September 20 and 21.

Inspectors said areas where improvements could be made including adapting learning to meet the individual needs.

Ofsted also said more efforts must be made to reduce the number of suspensions.

The school was contacted for comment.