A THUNDERSLEY school which was rated requires improvement has been praised for “rapidly improving” in a dramatic turnaround. 

The Deanes School, in Daws Heath Road, has been praised by Ofsted inspectors and rated "good" in all areas after an inspection on September 26 and 27.

After years of struggling, talks of even a closure, and previously being rated “requires improvement”, the school joined the South East Essex Academy Trust in September 2021.

It has since gone from strength to strength with the pupils now “thriving in a happy and inclusive environment”.

The Ofsted report stated: “The school has rapidly improved the quality of education.

“The trust recognised that pupils did not achieve as well as they should. The trust has worked with the school to redesign the curriculum so that pupils are now learning the required knowledge to be successful in their studies.

“The curriculum is now broad, balanced, and ambitious.

“All pupils are made to feel welcome. They thrive in a happy and inclusive environment.

“Pupils talk about how the school has made things better for them. They respect each other’s differences and are accepting of different beliefs.”

At the time of inspection, the school had 557 pupils all aged between 11 and 16.

Desi McKeown, headteacher at The Deanes, said: “The Ofsted report reflects how we, as a team, have brought our school iMatter promises to life – creating an environment where every student feels valued, respected, and part of a vibrant, inclusive community.

“It is a direct result of the unwavering commitment, professionalism, and dedication of staff to our students and school community.”

Andrew Cooper, CEO of the South East Essex Academy Trust, added: “As the report says, working harmoniously with the trust, the school has rapidly improved the quality of education.

“I love spending time at The Deanes because it’s a school where everyone is pointing in the same direction, and that’s why it’s going from strength to strength.”

Inspectors also noted how pupils feel “confident” worries are dealt with.

The report added: “Pupils understand and typically follow clear school behaviour rules.

“Learning is rarely disrupted. They respect out-of-boundaries at break and lunchtimes and typically interact pleasantly.

“Sometimes, a small number of pupils cause low-level disruption, but staff are on hand to address this.

“Pupils are confident in how any worries or concerns are dealt with. They value the support for mental health provided by the school, such as counselling.”