SIXTH FORM teachers at an academy that is in special measures are being made to sit A-level exam in their subjects as part of a head teacher's vision to drive up standards.

The policy is among the innovations by Patrick Ferguson, principal of Hope Academy, who believes that after a year at the helm he has turned the troubled institution around.

He has made a number of changes across the school since his arrival in January – particularly in the sixth form, which at one point appeared set to close. However, the school did not make it clear what the consequences are for any teacher that does not make the grade at A-level.

Mr Ferguson, who was appointed as a national leader in education' by the Secretary of State in 2009, is confident the next Ofsted inspection, due in December, will confirm his views.

Hope which has 1,200 students, was placed in special measures in February 2014 and in the most recent monitoring report, inspectors said the academy is "making reasonable progress towards the removal of special measures".

Mr Ferguson said when asked to close the sixth form, he responded: "No, we're going to grow it from 100 to 400."

He said: "We currently have around 100 sixth form students. We're going to grow it in steps.

"For a time sixth formers were having lessons at Carmel College, but now they're coming back to us.

"I have appointed a vice principal who is tasked with developing the sixth form and making it outstanding.

"I have changed 30 members of staff since January. I will not interview anyone for a job unless their observed lessons are rated outstanding. And all sixth form teachers have to sit their subject at A-level every two years."

Mr Ferguson's innovations include a two-day trip to London at the start of sixth form, with a visit to an Oxford University college. In January the sixth formers can go to France for two days and in the second sixth form year, they can go to Philadelphia.

He said: "These trips develop leadership and confidence skills, broaden their horizons and aspirations.

"We now have stability, and academically we are moving at a terrific pace; it's not unusual for an institution to go through turbulent times."

The latest monitoring inspection reported improvements in leadership, attendance, behaviour and academic progress. However, it noted: "Achievement in science continues to suffer on account of inadequate teaching" and "repeated changes in teaching staff" have had a significant impact on progress.