THE new headteacher at a school ordered to make improvements by Ofsted has been credited with “changing its fortunes” and giving parents more faith in the education of their children. 

Mayflower High School, in Stock Road, Billericay, was downgraded from “outstanding” to “requires improvement” following a damning inspection in March last year. 

Damian Lee took the reins at the school as headteacher on the same day the report was published in June and a survey of parents has revealed they have “gained more faith” since his arrival. 

He brought 22 years of experience in education, including 15 years in senior leadership.

Mr Lee said: “While we are pleased with the positive feedback from parents, we are far from complacent and recognise there is further work to be done.

“With the support of parents, staff and students, we are confident the school will continue this upward trajectory over the rest of the academic year and into the long-term future.”

Echo: Damian Lee arrived as the new headteacher the day Ofsted's critical report was published.Damian Lee arrived as the new headteacher the day Ofsted's critical report was published. (Image: Billericay Mayflower High)

Areas highlighted as needing attention included behaviour and attitudes, quality of education, and leadership and management.

Feedback on various aspects of the school has improved since parents were asked in following the Ofsted inspection, compared to at the start of the academic year in September.

The biggest positive changes in opinions from parents were around behaviour, expectations, happiness, reputation and personal development.

When asked if they would recommend the school to another parent, 44 percent of parents said they would originally, while 81 percent of parents agreed when asked again in September.

Initially, just 31 percent of parents agreed the school made sure its students were well behaved, while that more than doubled to 78 percent.

Previously, 64 percent of parents agreed their child was “happy at this school”, while 91 percent agreed in September.

In five months, the number of parents who agreed their concerns were “dealt with properly” increased by 36 percent. Those who agreed the school has “high expectations” for their children increased by 24 percent, while 23 percent more parents felt their children “do well” at the school.