A troubled school’s fightback from failure has secured a critical boost.

Whitehaven Academy was plunged into special measures in November following a damning report by Government inspectors.

But it is now making positive progress, with its headteacher insisting there is something special about the school.

Confirmation of the strides being made has come in the first report since education standards were condemned as unacceptable, triggering protests from parents.

Ofsted inspector Vincent Ashworth said: “Leaders and managers are taking effective action towards the removal of special measures; the trust’s statement of action is fit for purpose and the school’s improvement plan is fit for purpose.”

He noted improvements in effectiveness of leadership and management, quality of teaching, learning and assessment, personal development, behaviour and welfare and outcome for pupils.

Headteacher Warren Turner said: “I’m absolutely delighted the report values the

approach we have taken, but it shows what I have known since I started here – and that is there’s something very special about Whitehaven Academy.”

Ofsted will carry out monitoring visits each term. The earliest the school can come out of special measures is next summer.

“My aim is to make the next monitoring report even better, which will be difficult given the positivity of this report,” Mr Turner added. “I’m going to carry on with what we have been saying so far as providing determined leadership which has at its heart high- quality learning and teaching.”

The report stated: “Since the last inspection the school has been through significant turmoil and unrest, but is now entering a more positive phase. This is due to the headteacher’s resolute leadership and his determination to heal the rifts, the strong moral purpose of staff and the increasing commitment from some parents to support the staff.

“Staff morale has improved because teachers and leaders have faith in their headteacher; they have subscribed to his vision for the school and are working with a common purpose to raise standards.

“Teachers say they are optimistic and are keen to move on from what has been a bleak period.”

The report said teachers are eager for Bright Tribe Trust, which runs the academy, to “provide opportunities for them to engage more widely with its family of academies and share best practice”.

It said the trust has implemented a schedule of remedial work which has made some of the accommodation “more tolerable”.

The report noted that although some parents remain “disillusioned” about the trust’s involvement, there has been “a groundswell of positivity among some parents”.

There have been changes to lead on improvements in maths and English, among other areas. Behaviour has also improved.

It says the curriculum for Key Stage 3 and 4 has been overhauled to ensure that it is broad and balanced and meets statutory requirements.

Despite additional sessions for Year 11 pupils, school predictions for GCSE results suggest only a marginal improvement due to a “long legacy of underachievement”. School data for other year groups is more promising.