Improving school is like a community hub, says head

Chantry Academy was rebuilt from 2014 to 2015 as part of a government programme

A head teacher who has overseen an improvement in his school's performance has said it is now a community hub.

When Craig D'Cunha took over Chantry Academy in Ipswich in 2015 it had been placed in special measures by education watchdog Ofsted.

Since then, the secondary school's Ofsted rating up has gone from "inadequate" to "good".

"We've really focused on what's important for this community," Mr D'Cunha told BBC Radio Suffolk.

"Rather than saying it's a school within Chantry, it's actually the hub and a key feature [of the community].

"It was always about giving our kids the best life chances and saying 'what do the kids in Chantry need to be successful?'

Craig D'Cunha has improved Chantry Academy's Ofsted rating

In its latest report, published in May 2024, Ofsted inspectors praised the school's "influential role" within the local community, adding "pupils benefit from the wide range of clubs and visits that are on offer".

The Chantry estate has faced challenges including anti-social behaviour and crime.

Mr D'Cunha said it was a "difficult place to live because of social challenges" and he said wider investment was needed.

He said some residents suffered from mental health issues, and his students were aware of criminal activity.

"That saddens me because this is a safe place and I'd like them to be living in a safe place," he added.

"But all the services are overwhelmed and [Chantry] needs massive investment in social care and health care."

'Right choices'

Mr D'Cunha believed his students were contributing to improving the area.

"To be successful in society you need to know where the boundaries are, and you need to know about making the right decisions and correct choices," he said.

"We give rewards and we give sanctions. Those sanctions are for students not making the right choices.

"If we instil them here, that it is about making the right choices," he said.

"We talk about making good first impressions when they go out into the community.

"They'll know what to avoid, how to avoid it and what's the right decision to make in that situation," he said.