THE headteacher of a school which was threatened with closure after being classified as failing by the government, is retiring on a high after raising standards beyond expectation.

Helen Jeffery is leaving George Mitchell in Leyton at the end of term after nine challenging but rewarding years, during which time she has faced criticism for her approach and spoken out against what she perceived as unfair assessments of the performance of the secondary school, which is located in the borough's poorest area.

A large proportion of pupils have special educational needs, with 80 per cent of the children speaking English as a second language.

But in 2008 it was placed on a government hit-list of failing schools which were threatened with closure if results did not improve.

At the time Ms Jeffery described the target as "completely random" adding: "It does not take into account contextual information at all, it is recognised that we are the school with the most challenging circumstances in the whole authority."

Despite the government assessment, George Mitchell continued to make progress and a year later was trusted to merge with Beaumont Primary, which had been struggling for a number of years, to create a large "all-through" school.

Some of Ms Jeffery's methods, although effective, have proved controversial. She banned detentions, claiming the punishment had no positive effect, and instead encouraged meetings between teachers and pupils to discuss issues.

Recent results appear to vindicate her innovative approach and she has decided the time is right to step down after 37 years in teaching.

For the first time ten year-olds have achieved government targets at Key Stage 2 and there has been a marked improvement at Key Stage 1.

This is despite reservations at the town hall, the Department for Education and watchdog Ofsted that it was possible to raise standards so quickly.

"What better way to end 37 years in the profession? Ms Jeffery said.

"We've done in three years what nobody has ever done.

"We already know that this years results will be the best ever for our year 11s. Many of them did GCSEs early.

"I feel I'm at the top of my game. To retire on such a high note is just the most wonderful feeling.

"My wish now is that whoever succeeds me will understand what a wonderful school George Mitchell is. I've done my bit."