One of the most improved schools in the country has lost its outstanding status.
Debden Park High School in Willingale Road, Loughton, was judged as good by Ofsted in its first report since becoming an academy, published today.
The leadership of the school’s head teacher Christian Cavanagh and its management were judged outstanding, along with the behaviour and safety of pupils.
Pupil achievement, which was found to be outstanding after the school’s 2009 inspection, was judged as good in the latest report.
Teaching also went from outstanding to good.
Lead inspector James Coyle said: “The school can improve further by providing more opportunities for students, especially the more able, to work independently in all subjects.”
He said pupils who find learning hard should be given support tailored to their needs.
The way some teachers give pupils feedback was criticised.
Mr Coyle said: “Most students are aware of the level at which they are working and what they need to do to improve.
“However, not all subjects provide students with the kind of precise oral and written feedback needed to push their learning forward.”
After the proportion of pupils achieving five A* to C GCSE results tripled between 2007, when Mr Cavanagh joined, and 2011, the school was named third most improved in the country.
It is now part of the Kemnal Academies Trust, which also includes King Harold Business and Enterprise Academy in Waltham Abbey.
In its latest report, Mr Coyle said the team in charge still worked exceptionally well together.
He added: “They have focused on sharing the most effective teaching and learning as widely as possible.”
The Guardian has asked the school to comment.
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