Epsom and Ewell High School which was put in special measures at the end of last year has made huge improvements in just a few months say Ofsted inspectors.

Ofsted officials had good news for two Ewell schools, the High School and Danetree Junior School which was ordered to make improvements.

An Ofsted team visited Epsom and Ewell High School in April to make a monitoring inspection after the school was in turmoil after being put in special measures.

While the school has a long way to go to overcome its troubled past, it has made huge strides in just a few months.

"Students generally have positive attitudes towards learning and often expressed their appreciation for the changes that have happened over the last term," say the inspectors.

"Behaviour is now much better. Students are courteous and the school has a friendly and calm atmosphere. Students and parents report that the school has less disruption in lessons , that more learning takes place and that teachers listen, care and help."

Attendance had also improved.

But although there have been improvements, overall standards observed in lessons were below those expected and a lot of work has still to be done to improve outcomes for pupils in year 11 and year 13.

"Progress made by students is satisfactory but has not yet compensated for prior underachievement." concluded the inspectors.

Ani Magill, the executive head, said “We are delighted to achieve such a good report.

"There is still a long way to go but everyone has worked exceptionally hard to implement rapid change and I am really pleased everyone’s effort has been recognised.”

Alan Richardson, chairman of the interim executive board, said “What is great about this report is that it is the students and their parents who are saying that things have improved.

"Much remains to be done, but any visitor can see that Epsom and Ewell High is a school that is really on the up.”

An Ofsted team also visited Danetree Junior School and said that it too, has made huge strides in improving the standard of education on offer at the 425 pupil school.

After its previous inspection the Ewell school was ordered to make significant improvements. Under the leadership of the new head teacher Dorte Neess-Cardie (correct) it is now labelled as satisfactory.

In their report published recently the inspectors said that "Better teaching and an improvement in pupils' behaviour are contributing to faster academic progress and increased enjoyment."

They said that "in some classes lively teaching and interesting tasks encourage pupils to apply what they know to new challenges and help them make good progress.

The Ofsted inspectors concluded that the headteacher is providing good leadership and is well supported by the senior team and the chairman of governors.

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