SIGNIFICANT improvements have been made to Marden Vale Church of England Academy in Calne after an inspection by Ofsted's Julie Carrington.

"We've got a great team team," said new headteacher Gareth Thomas, "with excellent support from the staff and deputy head Alix Boyle.

"The school is moving in the right direction and I cannot thank parents and staff enough for their support."

Mr Thomas came to the school in January to make changes and improve the leadership after the school was 'placed in a category of concern' in 2018.

Inspector Julie Carrington noted that “significant changes in staffing have taken place” and in her report praised the new team for taking rapid action to respond to the “many actions that are required and had made a good start in implementing the recommendations of the previous inspection," which had led to the removal of special measures.

Mr Thomas said: "I am also delighted to let you know that I will be staying as headteacher until August 2020 to offer continuity and support to the school during this time."

The Inspector said Mr Thomas was “successful in bringing stability to the leadership of the school," and had “gained the confidence of staff and pupils quickly and had been “instrumental in enabling the school to better safeguard pupils and improve pupils’ behaviour and attitudes.”

“As a result, the pace of improvement is quickening and bringing about sustained improvement. Leaders are working determinedly to raise expectations of what staff and pupils are capable of.”

The report noted that pupils now accessed a curriculum that was “much better planned and organised” and that “the quality of teaching, learning and assessment is improving steadily." Mr Thomas said: “It was also really good to know that our pupils told the inspectors that behaviour at lunchtimes and around the school has improved."