INSPECTORS have heaped praise on the team who have "transformed" Poole's St Aldhelm's Academy.

The Herbert Avenue secondary school was placed in special measures and described as "dysfunctional and unsafe" in October 2014.

But now, just months after being taken over by the Ambitions Academies Trust (AAT), the school is thriving and pupils have "exceptionally positive attitudes to learning."

Ofsted inspectors recently spent two days at the school, observing 27 lessons and speaking to staff and pupils.

In a letter to Principal Sian Thomas, they said: "You and your senior leaders have transformed the quality of education provided at St Aldhelm’s Academy.

"An academy that was described as ‘dysfunctional and unsafe’ is now an environment that students love to attend, enjoy school and have exceptionally positive attitudes to learning. Pupils wear their new uniforms with pride."

AAT took over the school in June last year and put in a new leadership team, led by Sian Thomas. They also employed 13 new teachers and co-ordinators for special educational needs, achievement and for learning and teaching.

Sian said: "We are extremely pleased with the inspectors' findings and their conclusion that we are taking effective action towards the removal of special measures. They were very impressed by the improved standards in teaching and the transformation in students' behaviour.

"They also found that students respect their teachers, respond well to being challenged and that there is a real buzz of learning in our classrooms."

AAT runs six other schools across Bournemouth and Poole and Chief Executive Brian Hooper said: "The inspectors' findings are great recognition for St Aldhelm's, its pupils and staff and also parents, without whose support this progress would not have been possible.

"As well as praising the improvements we have already put in place to raise teaching standards and improve behaviour, Ofsted recognises we are paving the way for rapid improvements in our students' achievements.

"There is still much to do, but St Aldhelm's is now firmly on the right path."