THE principal of a Poole school has strongly denied claims he runs a "joyless exam factory."

Richard Tutt was defending Magna Academy against an online petition started by some parents which criticises disciplinary procedures at the school and says it's "almost like a prison, not a school."

The Canford Heath secondary school, formerly Ashdown College of Technology, received glowing praise from Ofsted inspectors earlier this year who rated it as 'Outstanding' in every category.

They praised "inspirational leadership" and said "students have an eagerness to learn."

But inspectors acknowledged that "a few parents have found the extra demands placed on their children to be a personal challenge."

The petition currently has 122 signatures and has attracted around 70 comments, some of which support the school and its approach.

Among the procedures criticised are so-called silent transition between lessons, where children are not allowed to speak and must have their pencil cases in their hands ready for the next lesson.

The rule applies only between consecutive lessons and not before or after break or lunch times.

A petitioner also criticised a rankings system used at the school which means children are ranked in order of achievement and progress, with the rankings displayed in public.

One parent said of her son: "After 12 weeks at Magna he has lost his confidence, sparkle and motivation. He is constantly worried about doing something wrong. Magna is a joyless exam factory."

And another said: "I was horrified to hear that after the recent tests they rank the children and display this on the wall. What on earth are they thinking?"

Several parents said their children no longer want to go to school but Mr Tutt said the petition is not representative of the vast majority of parents.

A recent questionnaire revealed 96 per cent of Year 7 parents agree their child is happy at Magna with 89 per cent saying their children feel safe, 87 per cent saying their children make good progress and 96 per cent saying the school is well-led and well-managed.

Mr Tutt said he is proud that behaviour and attainment at the school have improved dramatically since it converted from the old Ashdown College.

He told the Daily Echo: "We are the polar opposite to Ashdown and believe the overwhelming majority of parents support what we are doing and what the academy is about.

"This petition involves a small group of people, many of whom have no links to Magna Academy. We believe we have a calm learning environment and the purpose is to keep children safe.

"We believe that any student in the school can achieve. We don't make excuses for any child, no matter what their starting point. Everything we have in place is designed to support students and accelerate their progress."

Mr Tutt added: "Having high expectations is crucial to creating a safe learning environment."

He urged parents to voice any concerns through the school's parent forum and stressed there is an "open door policy" for anyone who wants to have a look round.

What our reporter thought

LOVE it or hate it, there's no denying there's something different about Magna Academy.

I've been to a lot of schools in my time but never one as quiet and orderly as this.

During "Silent Transition" teachers and support staff emerge from classrooms to stand guard as pupils walk briskly to their next lessons.

One boy was stopped and had his "Ready for Learning" card marked for failing to have his pencil case in his hand.

All over the school there are #NoExcuses signs and I was told the school's "Sanctions Ladder" is displayed on screens in every tutor group at the beginning of the school day.

Groups of Year 11 and sixth form students are gathered on sofas, enjoying the free coffee as well as ensuring they accrue enough points to qualify for the school prom.

Associate Vice Principal Mark Adams was there in the old Ashdown days and is keen to stress the new, orderly system is a vast improvement to the rowdy behaviour which took place under the old regime.

There's no denying that the school's leap from a rating of Inadequate to Outstanding is impressive.

In 2012 inspectors criticised poor exam results, ineffective leadership and behaviour of pupils, particularly around the school during break and lunch times.

When they visited this summer it was a different story with high praise for results above the national average and high quality teaching. Inspectors also said: "Students behave exceptionally well around the academy."

Mr Tutt is a good example of his #NoExcuses regime and makes no excuses for the way he runs his school.

It's an approach that's certain to divide opinion but the school's heavily over-subscribed so they must be doing something right.