The principal of a secondary school in special measures, believes they are on the right track following a positive inspection.

Romford Recorder: Principal of Bower Park Academy Stuart McLaughlin.Principal of Bower Park Academy Stuart McLaughlin. (Image: Bower Park Academy)

Bower Park Academy, Havering Road, Collier Row, was faced with a damning report from education watchdog Ofsted earlier this year but things appear to be looking up after the release of a monitoring inspection report.

Principal Stuart McLaughlin said: “I am really pleased with the feedback that we received from Ofsted in July.

“It is recognition of the hard work and commitment from staff, students and governors alike.

“The academy is on a journey of rapid improvement and it is good that the inspector recognised the gains we have made in a relatively short period.”

In February, the school was rated inadequate in four out of five areas by Ofsted, including outcomes for pupils and quality of teaching.

But in the report released last week, it said: “the school now has a more streamline and effective leadership team which has started to have a significant impact on the quality of teaching and pupil outcomes.”

It also states that the quality of teaching has improved, work is more challenging and pupils are keen to learn with “increasingly high aspirations”.

The outcome of the inspection follows good GCSE results, with an 11pc increase of pupils receiving a grade 4 and above - equivalent to a C and above - and a 13pc increase for maths.

Mr McLaughlin said: “My ambition is that the school receives a good Ofsted judgement at the next full inspection.

“Improved examination results this summer and this positive inspection report clearly demonstrate that we are on track to achieve that goal.”

Chair of governors Dave Harries said: “The leadership of the school has changed and it is now much more purposeful and focussed on improving children’s’ outcomes.

“I am pleased with the pace at which the underperformance is being tackled and this gives me confidence that we can quickly build the capacity and capability to ensure the students at Bower Park receive the first class education they deserve.

“Our early work has been validated by both Ofsted and improved results, but we have much further to travel.”