IMPROVEMENTS must continue at Swindon’s biggest school if it is to start meeting Ofsted’s standards after another troubling report was released by the education watchdog this week.

Swindon Academy headteacher Ruth Robinson said inspectors had recognised the big efforts staff had made towards improvement since it was first asked to up its game in early 2013.

In February 2014 there were signs of promise, but a two-day inspection last month showed more was needed, with inspectors slating teaching overall, achievement of pupils and sixth form provision.

They said: “Students’ achievement requires improvement because not all students make as much progress as they should across a range of subjects. Students attain below-average standards at the end of Year Six and Year 11 in English and mathematics because of weak teaching in the past and significant disturbance through changes of staff. The achievement of the most able students is too variable because the activities set for them are not always challenging enough.

“Disabled students and those who have special educational needs do not make consistently good progress, but they do achieve as well as other students in the academy.”

But the all-through academy at Beech Avenue, which teaches children from three to 19 years old, impressed with its leadership, behaviour of pupils and early years provision, and was praised as good in these areas.

Headteacher Ruth Robinson said: “We are all buoyed by this report, which demonstrates Ofsted’s confidence in our ability to deliver the improvement that we all want.”

Of the school’s good points the inspectors said: “The principal, senior leaders and governors are ambitious for the students. They understand the academy’s strengths and weaknesses and work effectively together to make necessary improvements.

“Students have positive attitudes, enjoy their learning and are keen to learn. Rates of attendance have risen and are now above average.

“Children get off to a good start in the reception and nursery classes. They are provided with a strong foundation for learning which ensures they are ready to move into Year One.

“Teaching is now typically good in English, mathematics and science in both Key Stage Three and Key Stage Four.”

Visit http://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/inspection-reports/find-inspection-report/provider/ELS/135364.