AN ANDOVER school has shaken off the label of ‘requires improvement’ to be praised for its work to improve standards.

John Hanson Community Academy has been rated as ‘good’ across the board after an Ofsted visit in October, an improvement on its previous mark which had been given in 2014 and 2016 by the education watchdog.

Inspectors highlighted the work of headteacher Russell Stevens and his ambition for “pupils to achieve their best”.

A report published on November 14 read: “The headteacher is driven and determined that all pupils should thrive and excel.

“He has set out a clear vision to transform the school and build a strong community of high-performing learners.

“Following his appointment and the disappointing results in 2017, he has taken difficult decisions to replace leaders who did not share his ambitions.”

And the new leaders were praised for bringing in additional expertise which are beginning to make an impact on the school.

The school’s improved procedures for teaching and learning was also lauded, along with an emerging whole school approach to tilt the best teaching towards disadvantaged and special educational needs pupils, but inspectors said that this needed to be refined.

Ofsted said the school works to promote pupils’ personal development and welfare, with a range of opportunities and experiences available both inside and outside the classroom.

It also highlighted that pupils’ behaviour was good and they “strive to do their best”.

Reporting on the outcomes for pupils, inspectors said that in the past students “achieved significantly less well than their peers with similar starting points nationally”, but this has since improved with attainment and progress closer to the national average.

But inspectors recognised that while the quality of teaching in English, mathematics and science had improved, more work needed to be carried out in modern foreign languages and humanities.

It was also noted that there needed to be further support for middle leaders, especially those new to post.

Mr Stevens said he is delighted Ofsted recognised the school’s ‘Inspire – Care – Succeed’ ethos and the immense effort made by all staff that goes into making sure the educational journey of pupils at John Hanson is enriching, stimulating and helps motivate them to excel in everything they do.