A SECONDARY school has been told by inspectors that it is continuing the road to improvement.

Sutton Academy had been rated as 'requires improvement' in its previous inspection in February 2017.

Ofsted had said while they recognised the school was moving in the right direction, progress was "not consistently good" for pupils.

The watchdog conducted a follow-up monitoring visit of the school on May 10 and has published its findings which says the high school "continues to improve towards becoming good".

In a letter to head teacher Alison Sherman, inspector Neil Mackenzie said: "You have demonstrated great strength and skill in creating a culture where the staff feel able to meet the challenge".

He added some staffs believe "the quality of their teaching is better now that it has ever been".

Mr Mackenzie also noted older pupils of the school "recognise the improvements that have taken

place" and that "expectations of how pupils should behave have risen", with maths teaching praised.

Science was said to be "not as strong as the typical standard across the school" but it was deemed "decisive action" is being taken with "early signs of improvement".

Systems for tracking the learning of pupils. have also been improved.

It was found pupils in years 7 to 10 are seeing the "biggest improvements".

It was acknowledged specific training to help teachers push most-able pupils is having "a positive impact".

Mr Mackenzie also praised changes to the key stage 3 curriculum and science curriculum, adding they are "making an important difference to the quality of teaching".

School governors were praised for challenging leaders.

The school's sixth form curriculum has been amended and entry requirements made "more stringent" with improved quality of teaching students "making strong progress".

Responding to the findings of the visit, head teacher Alison Sherman said to the Star she is confident the school is on its way to being officially rated as 'Good'.

She said: "I am delighted that the significant improvements I have made here at The Sutton Academy were recognised by Ofsted.

"I am particularly pleased that both students and staff feel that the culture at The Sutton Academy is one where we have the highest expectations in all that we do and this is having a positive impact on the achievement of our students including the most able.

"I am confident that we will soon be officially judged as a 'Good' school by Ofsted and be well on the way to becoming outstanding.

"I would like to thank governors , staff, students and parents for their continued support and the contributions they have all made to our impressive journey of improvement".