AN ANDOVER secondary school is celebrating after receiving notice from Ofsted that it is no longer in Special Measures.

The principal, Nathan Thomas, and senior team at Winton Community Academy were praised for their “skilful and energetic leadership and for creating a strong aspirational culture in the academy”.

Although the school is still deemed to require improvement, the school management believes this is a huge step in the right direction for the academy.

Principal, Nathan Thomas, said: “I am delighted that the hard work of the staff, students and governors has been recognised.

“This is only the first step for the academy, but it is a big step.

“The Ofsted team recognised the many strengths of the academy which is a very different place to two years ago thanks to the commitment of the staff and positivity of the students.

“Our focus is now on ensuring we do not take our foot off the accelerator and we receive a good set of exam results in the summer.

“The current Year 11s have had better teaching over time and therefore we are confident we will see a positive set of exam results this summer which should mean the academy is on target to get a judgment of ‘good’ early next year.”

Where the school requires improvement the report said: “Although pupils are making better progress this year, some, including some disadvantaged pupils, still do not achieve as highly as they should.

“Not all teachers adapt their planning to take sufficient account of pupils’ learning needs.

“Most-able pupils and those who have special educational needs are not always given sufficient priority.

“Not enough has been done to raise all pupils’ aspirations for a more successful future through independent, impartial advice.

However, commenting on the school’s strengths the report said: “The principal, supported well by senior leaders, has created a strong and aspirational culture, which has led the academy’s recovery with notable determination and assurance.

“The inadequacies found at the last inspection have largely been addressed.

“Pupils are proud of their academy.

“Bullying is rare and dealt with well when it occurs.

“Pupils are adamant that they are well cared for, and feel safe and secure at the academy.”

The report adds: “The recent whole academy reading programme is supporting improvements in pupils’ literacy well.”