CRANBOURNE Business and Enterprise College (CBEC) had double celebrations when marking its 50th anniversary on Saturday July 22.

As well as celebrating the half century, it was also announced at the event that CBEC would be moving out of being in “special measures” after a recent Ofsted inspection.

The school in Wessex Close had been placed in special measures in December 2015, and had its first monitoring visit on July 5 and 6.

This was then escalated into a full inspection which concluded that the school had improved and no longer required special measures.

The school is now graded by Ofsted as ‘requires improvement’, having moved out of being ‘inadequate.’ Jane Aplin, headteacher at CBEC, said: “The inspection took place on the hottest two days we can remember, with a Year 6 induction day and a Year 10 careers day at BCOT coinciding with their visit.

“Nevertheless, the staff and students were so professional and proud to show off the college.

"The result was amazing. We were graded ‘good’ for leadership and personal development and wellbeing.

"Safeguarding was found to be ‘effective’ and students feel ‘safe and well cared-for’.

“We still have work to do to, make sure that teaching and behaviour is good in every lesson; and that all groups of students achieve well. With 20 new specialist teachers arriving in September, I’m confident that we can achieve that.”

As well as celebrating the school moving out of special measures, there was also a trip down memory lane for current and previous students as the whole school community gathered to reminisce about their time at the school.

It was an emotional experience for many as they gathered and reacquainted themselves with old friends and colleagues.

They met up and listened to CBEC alumni Chris Thomson, who gave a speech about Cranbourne and the positive effect that the school has had. Describing his time there as “inspirational”, Mr Thomson went on to achieve a first class honours degree from Oxford University and went on to lead a large college in Brighton.

The school’s partners were equally delighted. Charles Applegate, headteacher at Kings Furlong Juniors, said: “I am so pleased to hear of CBEC’s continuing success. Well done to everyone involved. The staff and pupils have always worked hard, and we enjoy a close working relationship with the school.”