TWO years since it was rated among the poorest educational institutes in the county, a secondary school has gained one of the best Ofsted reports in the land after a remarkable turnaround.
Following its previous inspection in January 2007, Debden Park High School, in Willingale Road, Loughton, was placed in special measures with an “inadequate” rating in almost every area.
Its latest report could not be any more different with outstanding ratings almost across the board, and a glowing appraisal from Government lead inspector Chris Moodie.
In his report Mr Moodie writes: “Debden Park High School provides an outstanding quality of education for its students. The improvement since the last inspection has been significant and much of the school’s work is now exemplary.”
The inspector's comments have been echoed by parents and pupils at the school.
Thea Buisson said: “I've got children that have been here for four years and with the improvement from four years it deserves to be outstanding. Behavior-wise the children are better behaved. They're enjoying school and the quality of the work they're doing and coming home with is much better.”
Karen Witcomb said: “My daughter has just come up into year 7. I was concerned about her coming here a few years ago with its reputation and it's just absolutely amazing, and a fantastic school.”
Head boy Jack Michalitsianos, 15, said: I've been here since year 7 so I've seen how much it's improved. You get so much out of school now.”
Debden Park was the first PFI school to be built in Essex when it opened its doors in 2000.
Previous headteacher Micheal Moore left in March 2007 after the school was condemned by the Government as failing to provide an adequate education for its pupils.
Following Mr Moore's departure new headteacher Christian Cavanagh was brought in from the Kemnal Trust which specialises in turning around failing schools.
In his two years at the helm, Mr Cavanagh has more than doubled the school's GCSE pass rate and 69 per cent of pupils gained five A* to C grades this year.
He said: “There are not many schools that have gone from special measures to outstanding in two years. It's a testament to the hard work and effort of everyone involved in Debden Park since I've been here.”
Mr Cavanagh said Debden Park had already received congratulations from members of the Government and could now be used as a national model for how to turn around a failing school.
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