Senior leaders and governors at an academy which is deemed to require improvement are taking 'effective action', according to a new report from inspectors.

Ofsted inspectors visited Iceni Academy, in Methwold, on December 16 for a monitoring inspection after it was told it needed to improve in a report last September.

A report released yesterday said the school was headed in the right direction, with steps being taken to increase standards of leadership and management, quality of teaching, pupils' achievement, and Sixth Form provision.

However, there were still a number of criticisms of the school's performance. These included teachers not challenging some students in lessons, not setting high enough expectations for students' achievement and there not being enough demand for high quality work.

Despite the criticisms, the report states that the school's leadership team feel there is 'nothing preventing' the academy from being judged as good at its next inspection.

Gee Cook, principal, welcomed the report: 'We are pleased to see Ofsted recognising the hard work taking place at our academy. The plans we have put in place create a higher quality learning environment where all our pupils can reach their full potential.

'I am confident that this summer's exam results will reflect the determination of both staff and pupils to improve. Likewise we strongly feel we are on the road to an Ofsted 'good' at our next inspection.'

The academy, which is sponsored by the Academy Transformation Trust (ATT), was commended in the report for recruiting a new vice principal and other staff, which has 'strengthened the quality of teaching and leadership'.

Joyce Hodgetts, Managing Director of Academy Transformation Trust commented: 'Gee and her team are doing an exceptionally good job to ensure all our pupils make the best progress possible. The Trust continues to support her and we look forward to some excellent results this summer'.

What do you think of the school's performance? Have you seen improvements? Let us know by emailing reporter Andrew Fitchett on andrew.fitchett@archant.co.uk

If you have an education story, email education correspondent Martin George via martin.george@archant.co.uk