School previously in special measures rated 'good'

Head teacher Emma Wilson-Downes said children and staff were "thrilled" at the latest improvement

A secondary school that was previously in special measures has been graded as "good" across all areas by Ofsted.

Felixstowe School in Suffolk, run by Unity Schools Partnerships, was rated as "requires improvement" in all areas after inspectors visited in December 2021.

In 2018 the school had been placed in special measures and was told it risked losing funding if urgent improvement was not forthcoming.

Head teacher Emma Wilson-Downes said children and staff were "thrilled" at the latest improvement.

"I do think the children are really proud that they come to a good school," she explained.

"The work the staff within the school have been doing and also the real supporters we have within the community, that has had an impact.

"We now have waiting lists for some of our year groups. We're very fortunate to be in that position."

The school formed in 2011 from the amalgamation of Deben and Orwell high schools and has ben inspected 15 times in the past 13 years.

Ms Wilson-Downes, who took over in 2019 when the school was in special measures, said having no other schools in the area as competition helped rally support to improve the school.

'Broad and balanced'

The Ofsted report highlighted pupils "benefited from being part of this improving school" with staff having high aspirations for them.

Its curriculum was described as "broad and balanced" with leaders ensuring that it was more challenging.

It also came in for praise for how it supports students with special educational needs.

Inspectors highlighted its sixth form, praising its teachers' "strong subject knowledge and teaching that is focused on individual needs".

They said some improvements were still needed, including encouraging some pupils to attend school more and the need for some teachers to implement the curriculum more consistently.