STAFF and pupils at one Bournemouth school have more reason than most to celebrate a glowing Ofsted report.

Winton Media and Arts College was placed in special measures just over a year ago, but is now absolutelty thrilled with its latest Ofsted assessment after a massive improvement drive at the school.

Headteacher Ben Parnell, who arrived in September, said a raft of changes had been put in place and he was “absolutely delighted” that the hard work of both teachers and students had paid off.

He added: “The biggest thing for me is it recognised the hard work that’s been put in by the students, the parents, the local community, the teachers and the support staff in the school.

“When you’re putting in that amount of work and effort and you’re working together to try and achieve something it’s nice to have someone from outside telling you, yes, it’s working.”

Changes at the school since September range from new paintwork and placing striking artwork by students on the walls to teachers being coached in lesson planning and leadership.

Mr Parnell said there was also now more emphasis placed on celebrating students’ successes rather than on punishing the bad behaviour within the school.

He is now planning to address students’ individual “learning packages” and punctuality, among other things.

Teachers have also seen the benefit of the improvements taking place around the school.

Caroline Chalk, curriculum team leader for history, said: “I’ve been here 22 years and I think I’m the best I’ve ever been as a teacher.”

Harry Rickman, 15, the school’s Head Boy, said: “I think it’s what we’ve been waiting for.

“This is what we need to get school started.”

Lewis Casey, 15, agreed: “I wouldn’t say that the last report was harsh, most of the stuff they said was true, but since then there’s been an amazing improvement in everything and Mr Parnell has been a real asset in that improvement.”

Improvements achieved

The specialist arts and media college was asked to raise attainment at GCSE level, improve the rates of students’ progress, raise the quality of teaching and learning and involve the governing body more in decisions when the school was put in special measures in November 2010.

And inspectors who visited last month concluded that progress in all areas which had been highlighted is good.

Head teacher Ben Parnell, who took over in September last year, was singled out for particular praise by inspectors, who said: “In spite of considerable challenges in dealing with staffing changes and low morale, in one term he has managed to create a positive ‘can do’ attitude that permeates the whole college community.

“As a result, staff have respect for his judgements and the pace of change is accelerating.”

Inspectors also said GCSE results are getting better, behaviour has improved, attendance has increased dramatically and lessons are more interesting for the students.