EVERY week, headteacher Jason Carey answers phone calls from parents wanting to sign up their children to his flourishing school.

Word certainly seems to be getting round the James Hornsby School, in Leinster Road, Laindon, is on the up and it is largely down to one straight-talking Yorkshireman.

Mr Carey, who started his teaching career at Shoebury High School, has certainly not been afraid to make his mark.

He took up his role at James Hornsby in March 2013, at a time when the school was suffering from falling GCSE results and poor attendance.

Fast forward just over a year and a half, and the secondary is steaming ahead towards it target of becoming outstanding.

Mr Carey, who lives in Leigh, said: “I totally love this job. I’m really, genuinely passionate about the school. I have got three young children myself so I always think as a parent, would I be happy for them to come here, and the answer is absolutely yes.

“It’s hard work, but it’s enjoyable, and the school is coming on so fantastically.

“Initially it was about setting out my vision, but it’s even better now I’m seeing the rewards.”

Four months ago James Hornsby, which opened as an academy in October 2012, and is now sponsored by the King John School, in Thundersley, was told it needed to improve by Ofsted.

Despite the disappointing rating, the report was littered with praise for Mr Carey and his vision to improve the school.

Inspectors returned in September, and noted “robust action” and “difficult decisions”

had been taken.

The Ofsted review was followed by a letter from Tim Coulson, regional schools commissioner from the Department for Education, who noted James Hornsby pupils held their headteacher in great regard.

Mr Carey, who studied at Cambridge, is certainly not afraid to be tough on both his teachers and pupils.

He has overhauled the school day, with four 75- minute lessons replacing five one hour lessons.

Year 11 pupils also have to stay behind for a mandatory extra lesson once a week.

A new school uniform has been introduced and any pupils caught with their top button undone, turning up to lessons late, or running in the corridors face a detention.

“We’re very tough on behaviour.

We’ve got a zero tolerance policy. Parents know that, pupils know that and the staff know that.

“If you focus on the small things, the bigger things don’t escalate,” he added.

James Hornsby, which is nearly oversubscribed, has been split into four separate colleges, which are named after space missions and each led by an assistant head.

It means there is more focus on individuals, and older pupils are on hand to help their younger peers.

Mr Carey said: “I talk a lot about the James Hornsby family, our ethos is very important.”

The head, who still teaches English lessons himself, understands the bread-andbutter basics of education are the most important.

Staff who failed to meet his high standards have been given the chop and replaced, and he regularly observes lessons.

Mr Carey added: “We’re really raising aspirations and expectations. It’s about getting the absolute best out of everyone.

“This is not just a job to me.

I’m building a fantastic team, I’ve got some great new staff and the students have bought into the changes, so I want to see the fruits of that.

“Some of the improvements have been rapid, but my whole vision is not something which is going to happen overnight.

I’m here for the long term.”