SCHOOL at weekends may not sound like a popular idea - but it seems to be working wonders at Neale-Wade Community College.

Cambs Times: Neale-Wade.Neale-Wade. (Image: Archant)

The March school, placed in special measures by Ofsted inspectors last year, has been hosting GCSE students for extra lessons on Saturdays and Sundays since September.

The optional sessions have contributed to some remarkable early results - with more than half of the Year 11 students already securing A*-C grades in maths.

Delighted principal Jason Wing said: “Last year in Maths we had 56 per cent A*-C by July, this year we have got 52 per cent there by November.

“It’s good but I don’t want to get too excited yet. It’s a step in the right direction and there’s still a long way to go.

“We’ve worked really hard, holding maths sessions on weekends. People came this weekend even though they had to hike through the snow!

“The maths department have attended all the sessions and they have also upped the ante in lessons.

“We are starting to develop a culture of achievement and if those extra lessons make a difference to even a few students, then it’s worth it.”

Mr Wing said the weekend lessons often attracted as many as 30 students, with a specialist tutor brought in to help them progress.

The school plans to hold similar sessions, which have been running from 9am-3pm, to improve performance in science and English.

A reward system is also being introduced for maths, where students will be able to win an iPad Mini along with other prizes.

Neale-Wade was forced to close on Monday - despite workers coming out at 5am to try and clear the snow. It reopened yesterday.