A SCHOOL says it is confident of continuing to improve after its latest inspection from watchdogs.

Notley High School and Braintree Sixth Form has been rated as requiring improvement by Ofsted.

The school was rated inadequate in 2020 and has made “significant changes” since then.

In the latest inspection, whilst the school was rated requires improvement for its quality of education behaviour and attitudes, it was rated good for personal development, leadership and management, and sixth-form provision.

The report praised the school for some areas of improvement.

It said: “Most pupils are happy at school. Pupils recognise that their school is improving.

“In numerous lessons, they behave well. Pupils show high levels of respect for other races and religions.”

It continued: “Leaders have introduced an ambitious curriculum across the school, including in the sixth form.

“In many subjects and many year groups, teachers deliver the curriculum effectively.

“Staff are trained and confident in recognising and reporting any concerns about pupils’ welfare.

“Safeguarding leaders act in a timely manner to ensure pupils receive help if they need it.

“Leaders accurately identify pupils with special educational needs or disabilities.”

The report says behaviour is “consistently good” in the sixth form, where students “have high levels of resilience towards their learning” in an “inclusive and welcoming environment”.

The report said: “Students are confident to be themselves and are well supported by staff.

“Pupils, including students in the sixth form, benefit from a well-planned personal development programme.

“Leaders ensure pupils receive independent careers information and are well prepared for their next stage in education or training.

“They benefit from a variety of activities which enhance their understanding of the curriculum.”

Ofsted said improvements were needed in the effectiveness of some teaching and the behaviour of pupils who "do not routinely display positive behaviour in lessons".

Headteacher Maggie Ryan said: “As a school community we are happy the inspection has reflected the significant changes made since the last inspection in 2020”.

“Two of the judgements were on the cusp of moving from requires improvement to good, particularly behaviour and the quality of education. 

“There are so many positives to take from this report and we already had identified the areas they have left us to action.

“We are confident when they return in another 12-18 months we will secure the good judgement and also hope to shift some of the good ratings to outstanding judgements.”