In 2019, Hall Park Academy, which teaches 888 pupils, aged 11 to 18, was left reeling by an Ofsted rating of ‘Inadequate’ – only two years after being labelled ‘Good’.
After three subsequent monitoring visits by inspectors, the school stepped up to ‘Requires Improvement’ in 2022.
Now, it is back to ‘Good’, both overall after its latest review.
The verdict thrilled head teacher David Crossley, who wrote in a letter to parents: “We are delighted that Ofsted has recognised the significant progress the school has made in recent years.
"This is testament to the hard work of students and staff, and to the support of parents and carers.
"It was particularly pleasing to confirm how proud students are of their school and the wide range of support and opportunities that are available to them.”
The Mansfield Road school is part of the Redhill Academy Trust.
The Ofsted report said Hall Park 'has changed for the better since the previous inspection' and quoted one pupil who 'spoke for many' by saying 'this school has really improved, it’s a great community in which to learn and feel safe'.
The report continued: “There has been a significant cultural change, teachers’ expectations of pupils are high, pupils’ behaviour is good.
"Pupils value their teachers, lessons are calm and purposeful and routines are well understood.”
Hall Park’s improvement was reflected in pupils’ attendance, which is 'now managed extraordinarily well'.
The report said: "Pupils do not want to miss the good quality of education and care that the school offers.
“Pupils also appreciate the many opportunities they receive outside the normal school day.
"A breakfast club provides an excellent chance to have a healthy start, while numerous clubs, trips and activities also run daily.”
With regard to the quality of teaching, Ofsted found that the school has appointed 'skilled and knowledgeable subject leaders', who are 'having a significantly positive impact'.
The report continued: "The curriculum in most subjects is ambitious for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
The inspectors found that SEND pupi's 'receive effective support in lessons', especially now that a new SENCo (special educational needs co-ordinator) is in place and who 'knows pupils and families extremely well.'
Ofsted hailed pupils who are anti-bullying ambassadors as 'a real credit to the school' and noted their work meant that bullying was rare.
This curriculum was particularly strong in the sixth form, with the report saying it's 91 students were 'terrific role models for others in the school' and that 'teaching in the sixth form is expert'.
Ofsted pinpointed areas needing more improvement to ensure that the quality, and implementation of, the curriculum is strong in all subjects.
But it praised the way Hall Park 'promoted the love of reading' and said staff are 'proud to work' there and 'feel well supported by leaders'.