The new headteacher of a school in special measures has bold ambitions to turn it around by next summer.

Amy Webb, who became permanent headteacher of Stalham High School in January, said 60pc of year 11 students were on track to achieve A*-C grades including English and maths this summer.

Last summer that figure, seen as a benchmark for schools, was 52pc.

Ms Webb, 31, is also confident the school will come out of special measures and be judged as good by Ofsted by summer next year.

The school is part of the small North Norfolk Academy Trust which includes Sheringham High School and Antingham and Southrepps Primary School.

But Ms Webb said she was in control of the school and not a 'puppet headteacher'.

She said: 'I'm passionate about high-quality teaching that enthuses students. We are not a school which is results driven. We are a school which, at its heart, has a real enthusiasm for teaching and learning.'

Ms Webb said it had been 'tough' taking over as the staff and students had been 'bruised' by past criticisms.

But she added the students were 'incredibly proud' of their school.

'We want to stabilise the school. The problem is it has dipped over the years. We have to make sure we are hugely effective for the long term,' Ms Webb added.

One way the school wants to improve and help with the development of its teachers is by using its links with other schools within the academy trust, enabling staff to learn from each other to boost teaching and learning.

The school, which has 434 students aged 11-16, is one of the smallest high schools in Norfolk but Ms Webb said that was a benefit because it allowed teachers to understand pupils better.

There are 27 teachers at Stalham high, the latest of whom is assistant headteacher Paul Norris.

Mr Norris said: 'I think things are going to develop over the years at a rapid rate.'

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