A struggling secondary school has been told it can take on four new teachers to help lift it out of special measures.
The Sir John Gleed School was placed in special measures a year ago amid fears of bullying, bad behaviour and poor teaching.
A report published last week by education watchdog Ofsted said a third inspection visit carried out In March found the school was still not making enough progress.
It did, however, say some progress had been made, with students’ attainment likely to improve slightly on last year – although standards in English and science at key stage four remain below the national average.
It also said quality of teaching has improved slightly, but is still inconsistent, and high levels of staff absence remain a problem.
Pupils’ behaviour is continuing to improve and teachers are managing bad behaviour better.
Pupils told inspectors that incidents of bullying and racism are now in decline.
Following the inspection a letter from inspector Trevor Riddiough to headteacher Will Scott said: “The academy is not making enough progress towards the removal of special measures.
“Having given the matter due consideration, I am of the opinion that the academy may appoint up to two newly qualified teachers in the English department and up to two in the science department.
“These appointments can only be made if appropriate mentoring and strong professional support can be assured.”
Since the report was published Mr Scott has said he is pleased that progress has been made.
He said: “I recognise that we still have work to do.
“Our priority continues to be to improve the quality of teaching and there is a relentless focus on this.
“We are supporting our teaching staff in this and holding them to account where necessary.
“Where there are vacancies, recruitment of the very best staff is paramount.
“We look forward to seeing sustained improvement as we continue the implementation of our school improvement plan with the continued support of CfBT Schools Trust.”
The trust is the Sir John Gleed School academy’s sponsor. Its chief executive Chris Tweddle said a massive recruitment drive had been put in place to fill vacant posts, and said measures were in force to find “high calibre” staff to work in the interim.
He said: “We know that the school has been working extremely hard to turn things around.
“The considerable challenge posed by staff absence is also being addressed but there is not a quick fix.
“Teaching and learning has always been the main focus of the school improvement plan and, while the changes won’t happen overnight, we are moving in the right direction.”
Last month the trust appointed a new executive principal, Chris Mallaband, to boost the senior management team.
He said: “I am excited to be joining the school at such a key point. The school is going to go from strength to strength and I’m confident the future is very bright.”
