Staff at Alderman Jacobs School, Whittlesey, moved ‘swiftly’ to address issues following an inspection last summer which found the academy ‘requires improvement’.

A monitoring inspection by Ofsted inspector Kim Hall carried out before Christmas found the “academy is now moving on at a pace” to address the issues identified in June.

And she concluded “there are” now no barriers to the academy moving forward and becoming good at the next inspection”.

Ms Hall’s visit was the first monitoring inspection since the summer and she found there have been some “significant” staff changes including new leaders for the early years and for disabled pupils and those with special educational needs.

She said: “Senior leaders and governors are taking effective action to tackle the areas requiring improvement identified at the recent section 5 inspection in order to become a good school.

“Everyone has sharpened their focus on improving teaching and learning – including governors. The areas that you have identified are the right ones to move the academy forward.

“You have wasted no time in monitoring and evaluating the impact of your work in improving behaviour. In lessons, pupils are more engaged in their learning.”

She said the introduction of a clear reward scheme was having a positive effect.

“During this monitoring inspection, no word of reprimand was seen or needed,” she said.

“Lessons flowed easily and active learning is now a feature. Parents have noticed the changes and this is reflected in the more positive views expressed within the online questionnaire.”

Work has also been undertaken to tackle attendance and as a result absenteeism is reducing and attendance is already at national expectations for this academic year.

Staff training has also been prioritised including for teaching assistants and pupils are enthusiastic about the changes and now enjoy their learning.