Cromwell Community College bounded up the Ofsted ‘league’ table with a glowing report following a two day inspection last month.

Cambs Times: Cromwell Community College staff celebrating their 'good' Ofsted.Cromwell Community College staff celebrating their 'good' Ofsted. (Image: Archant)

Lead inspector John Mitcheson concluded that in all six categories – ranging from effectiveness of management, quality of teaching to personal development and behaviour- the school could now be rated as good.

It is a far cry from the previous inspection in February 2015 when in four key areas it was deemed to “require improvement”.

Ofsted concluded that “good leadership has transformed the quality of education- all aspects of the school are solidly good”.

Particular praise was heaped on principal Jane Horn of the 1,160 pupil academy for transforming the aspirations of staff that “underpin the improvements made”.

Cambs Times: Staff outside the front of Cromwell Community College, Chatteris.Staff outside the front of Cromwell Community College, Chatteris. (Image: Archant)

Teaching is good, behaviour is good, and the school is inclusive “welcoming pupils from different backgrounds and from other schools”.

The sixth form is buzzing too, says Ofsted, where there have been “significant improvements to the achievement and personal development of students”.

The report said: “The principal and her team of senior leaders have changed the culture of the school.

“Underachievement, inconsistencies in teaching and lack of accountability are no longer tolerated.

Cambs Times: Principal Jane Horn.Principal Jane Horn. (Image: Archant)

“Decisive action has been taken to ensure that all staff contribute fully to securing improvement.”

The report added: “Ineffective staff have left. Despite its rural location new teachers have been recruited and the school is fully staffed.”

One blot on the landscape is the effort needed to help disadvantaged pupils but Ofsted is confident that the appointment of a new leader with responsibility for these students is to be appointed shortly.

Pupils get praised for good attendance (above average) and there is also mention of an after-school club run for younger carers that “provides exemplary support for these young people”.

Ofsted said that throughout their visit pupils were “polite, pleasant and well-mannered. The school is a calm and orderly place. Pupils queue patiently, moved around safely and show respect for one another”.

Bullying has been tackled effectively and “when asked to leave lessons, pupils escort themselves to the base for a short stay to reflect on how to modify their behaviour. A seclusion room is used appropriately to manage pupils causing more serious misdemeanours. Records show that the proportion of pupils referred to this facility has fallen significantly over the past year.”