A TROUBLED school is battling its way out of special measures after receiving a much-improved Ofsted report.

Grays School Media Arts College has been told it “can still do better”, as it approaches the anniversary of going into special measures, but the signs are looking good for the future.

Its latest Ofsted report recognises the hard work involved in turning the school around.

A new headteacher, Lynn Ibeji, takes over in September. Until then acting head Tim Rider has steered the school through some tough times.

He said: “We have tried to encourage students to take ownership of their school. Student work parties have been formed and the kids are only to happy to be doing their bit.”

Ofsted agrees. In its report the inspector states: “Students' learning has improved and is now mostly satisfactory.

“Conditions are more conducive to effective learning and students take a greater pride in themselves and the school.”

Mr Rider said the pupils deserved to take a lot of the credit.

He added: “The pupils have also given the school its new motto: ‘Do your best today, for a better tomorrow’, which we think is appropriate, as we look to the future.”

Mr Rider, who has been at the school for 26 years, also thanked neighbouring schools for their help and advice.

He said: “If we all continue to pull together, there is no reason why we can’t have our special measures status removed by June 2009.

“We want to make the 180 students who are joining the school next year – and their families – aware they are becoming a part of a school which is changing and one that has high hopes for the future.”