An academy is said to be making 'reasonable progress' towards coming out of special measures.

Ofsted inspectors said a rise in standards at Thetford Academy has now become more securely established, with this year expected to deliver its 'best ever' GCSE results in English and maths.

In particular they praised teachers for the 'huge amount of additional support to students in many subjects through Saturday and after-school revision sessions'.

Lead inspector Elaine Taylor added: 'This, together with adjustments to the curriculum and better teaching, is leading to rapid and, in some cases, substantial improvements in the progress of all groups of students.'

Dame Rachel de Souza, chief executive of the Inspiration Trust, said the latest monitoring inspection report highlighted 'a wide range of areas across the academy where big strides forward are being made'.

She said principal Adrian Ball and his team were doing a 'brilliant job', adding: 'The trust is committed to the academy being rated outstanding within the next two years.'

The 1,300-pupil school in Croxton Road, Thetford, was placed in special measures in February 2013. Since then the academy, formed in 2010 following a merger between the old Charles Burrell and Rosemary Musker high schools, has undergone a series of changes.

Following her visit to the academy on July 1 and 2, Ms Taylor said: 'The rise in standards evident at the last monitoring visit has continued and is now more securely established.'

Ms Taylor praised the recruitment of 'raising achievement managers' to support individual students but said there was 'some evidence of poor literacy, presentation and handwriting and incomplete work'.

'This indicates that, whilst expectations are higher and students' attitudes have improved, there is a need for further improvement if the academy is to meet its aim to be 'good' by the next monitoring visit.'

How do you think Thetford Academy is doing? Write, giving your full contact details, to andrew.papworth@archant.co.uk