The principal of Lowestoft's first academy has vowed that within the next three years it will be rated as an 'outstanding' school.

Neil Powell, principal of East Point Academy, said that he and the senior management staff were encouraged by 'continued improvements' and the latest feedback from education inspectors Ofsted.

East Point, which opened its doors in September 2011 on the site of the former Kirkley High School, was placed in special measures in April last year after being rated as inadequate by Ofsted for its achievement levels, quality of teaching, leadership and management and student behaviour.

Now, with a new principal replacing Liz Redpath, and three monitoring reports from Ofsted later, the academy has introduced innovative lessons, and placed a focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Following the most recent monitoring report on the academy, inspectors said: 'The academy is making reasonable progress towards the removal of special measures.'

Some of the findings show that 'teaching continues to improve', with early indications showing that 'standards are rising at key stage three'. As well as this 'the rate of improvement of the academy has increased' and 'leadership is improving'.

Mr Powell said: 'East Point is a phenomenal place to be, with phenomenal kids. This is an easy win in terms of where I see this school going in the short term.

'I see this as being the school of choice for Lowestoft parents, and within the next three years, East Point Academy will be an outstanding school with students achieving excellent GCSE results.'

Mr Powell joined the academy from Tendring Technology College. He said greater links with local businesses, Lowestoft Sixth Form College and Lowestoft College had been forged, adding: 'Our children want to achieve and it's our job with the brilliant staff we have to give them the opportunity to do that. We have forged strong links with Suffolk county music and our PE curriculum will transform next year. East Point will be a place where young people can become whatever they wish to be.'

Have you got a Lowestoft story? Email mark.boggis@archant.co.uk