A Hampshire school that was put into special measures by Ofsted is now transforming, according to inspectors.

The New Forest Academy, in Holbury, was labelled as failing by the schools’ watchdog following a visit at the end of last year, who criticised the performance of teachers and poor exam results.

But following an interim visit, inspectors heaped praise on the school saying the quality of teaching was better than it had been for years with two thirds now ranked as good.

As a result, students are now learning better which was highlighted by the recent GCSE results, particularly English, which were described by inspectors has having “improved dramatically.”

Inspectors also highlighted improvements in the quality of the marking of students’ work – an area which contributed to the Long Lane school being ranked as inadequate. The behaviour of students was also praised, as was the school’s leadership team.

As previously reported by the Daily Echo Karen Godsall was appointed following the resignation of the previous principal Andrew Dyer who stood down in March.

Her positive impact was praised by inspectors who said: “The impact of this has been to give the academy greater confidence and vitality than it has had for a long time. Students now show more pride in their work and as members of the academy. Parents and local schools are beginning to recognise the transformation taking place here.”

Mrs Godsall said she was delighted with the interim report: “This is an important milestone. Ofsted has recognised the strong and powerful influence that senior leaders have exerted on the day to day running of the academy.

“I was especially thrilled to read that Ofsted commended us on the renewed sense of ‘confidence and vitality’ that has become very evident over the past few months. Many local parents have echoed Ofsted’s sentiments that there is a real ‘transformation’ taking place here.

“We know that there is still much work left to do, but we have a thorough and very useful action plan in place for taking the academy to its next level of performance.

“We are determined that New Forest Academy will be rated as a good school and that the young people in our local community will now get the educational opportunities that they truly deserve.”

The report means that the school is on course to come out of special measures. There will be further monitoring reports before the school is officially deemed to be out of the lowest category.