LEADERS at Cecil Jones Academy in Southend are winning the battle to improve pupils’ behaviour, according to Ofsted inspectors.

The academy, which forms part of Legra Academy Trust, was visited by inspectors on May 3, and their report has now been published.

Inspectors praised the chief executive, Bev Williams, and her senior staff for improving students’ behaviour and offering a clear vision for all young people.

The inspectors said: “Leaders have brought improvements to the quality of behaviour. They have raised expectations about the standard of behaviour of pupils and are steadily overcoming the low expectations and aspirations of a minority of pupils.”

The inspectors point to the strength of leadership at the academy, adding: “The chief executive, the principal and governors lead with a clear vision for students in their community.

“They have not shied away from taking tough decisions about staffing and students to improve the behaviour and welfare of pupils.”

Ms Williams, in charge of the trust – made up of Belfairs Academy, Darlinghurst School and Cecil Jones Academy, said: “I am pleased inspectors identified the significant advancement and improvement at Cecil Jones Academy.

“Our staff work very hard to create a positive and safe learning environment and, as part of that, we clearly set out and reinforce high expectations of every student.

“This ensures we are able to focus on teaching and learning, allowing every student to get the best out of their education at Cecil Jones.”

The inspectors noted changes to the senior team which has created significant capacity to focus on behaviour, welfare and safety of pupils.

The inspectors say the academy is taking effective action to prevent and tackle bullying, adding major incidents of poor behaviour have reduced since the academy joined Legra Academy Trust in September, 2015.

They add: “Staff record and act on concerns raised by pupils. Where there are significant incidents, leaders are taking appropriate action to support these pupils and to prevent these incidents.”

Anti-bullying ambassadors and sixth-form buddies – positive role models throughout the school who offer support to their peers – were praised.