OFSTED inspectors say children at St Gregory’s High are ‘enjoying their education again’ as they praised improvements at the school.

The Cromwell Avenue school was put in special measures after a damning report in 2014 but after a visit last month Ofsted said there is an ‘increase in momentum’ at the organisation, leading to improvements.

The school continues to be rated as ‘requiring improvement’ but the personal development, welfare and behviour of pupils was given the second highest rating, ‘good’.

But inspector Helen Gaunt said: “The quality of teaching is not consistently good across the school. There is a lack of challenge for the most able pupils.

“Some pupils are not encouraged to move on in their learning when they are ready to do so. When this happens, pupils become bored and the pace of learning slows.”

She added that 2016 GCSE progress in maths and English were ‘significantly below’ average but acknowledged this was due to marks being lowered after examiner moderation.

But students were highly praised by the Ofsted team as ‘polite, courteous and respectful’.

Ms Gaunt also said attendance is above the national average, safeguarding processes are ‘strong’ and pupils are offered a wide range of opportunities outside lessons.

She added: “Pupils say that behaviour has improved and that ‘teachers are very supportive’.

“Parents refer to a ‘warm and caring’ environment in which ‘children appear to be enjoying their education again’.

“Teaching is strong in science, modern foreign languages, religious education, art, music, drama and physical education.

“Teachers have good subject knowledge and show interest and enthusiasm for their subject areas.

“Staff morale is high. Staff are positive about the increased expectations placed upon them by the new headteacher, as well as the support that they receive. They talk about an ‘increase in momentum’.”

Anti-bullying procedures at the school were also praised by inspectors in the report.

Head teacher Ed McGlinchey thanked staff, parents and pupils for their ‘hard work’.

He said: “I’m very happy the report recognises things have been going forward and not backwards.

“Where there are areas to improve we have already identified them and are working on them.

“We are focused on consistency.”

n To read the full report visit reports.ofsted.gov.uk.