A NEW headteacher, who has inherited Swindon’s only failing school, wants to make it the best.

Nova Hreod in Moredon has been given three years to improve results, or could face closure or takeover by a private firm.

It is on the Government’s National Challenge programme, as less than 30 per cent of pupils did not achieve five or more GCSEs at Grade C or above, including in English and maths, last year.

Julie Tridgell, who took over the reins from Andrew Fleet in September, said the school is on the up.

“We are still a National Challenge school but are well over the failing targets,” she said.

“I really welcome the support we get as a result of being a National Challenge school.

“I use whatever is provided to drive up standards and achievements.”

The school gets extra attention from the Government which sees its transformation as a priority.

Staff from Highdown School in Reading, have also been lending their Swindon colleagues a helping hand with advice and visits.

And the school has even been able to recruit some extra staff.

“I have some of the most amazing students here,” said Mrs Tridgell.

“My ambition is be the best school in Swindon. I am very competitive and Nova Hreod has all the right ingredients.

“We have expert teaching staff, quality support staff and a fantastic building.

“Children only get one crack at secondary and our commitment is to make it the best it can be.

“It is a long journey but I think we have all the right ingredients. It has so much potential.”

Ofsted gave the 1,336 pupil school the lowest rating – inadequate – in June.

The education watchdog said Nova Hreod suffered from high staff turnover and the poor state of its previous buildings before it moved to its impressive new home in April 2007.

Its new head believes the school and community were eager for a transformation when she turned up.

“People were ready for a new direction of really grasping the nettle,” she said. The former head, Mr Fleet, helped her a lot during the changeover, she added. She believes future success hinges on partnership with parents and the school is improving communication with them.

“I have to listen to what the community is saying about the school,” she said. “I have to be responsive to that and 100 per cent solution focused.”

“We know what our issues are and want to work with the community.”