INSPECTORS have praised bosses at a Westcliff school for their “extensive work” to make drastic improvements since it became an academy.

The Westborough Academy, in Macdonald Avenue, Westcliff, earned a good rating following an inspection on February 13 and 14.

The school was previously rated requires improvement by Ofsted in September 2021 – the same month that Westborough joined the South East Essex Academy Trust.

Inspectors found that the school is ambitious for pupils and has developed the curriculum well since becoming part of the academy.

The report, set to be published today, stated: “Pupils enjoy attending school.

“Pupils are positive about the many changes that the school has made. These are having a positive impact on behaviour in classrooms and around school.

“The school is ambitious for all pupils, continuing to develop the curriculum further. In subjects where the curriculum is more developed, pupils learn well.

“The school has undertaken extensive work to develop the curriculum, supported by the trust.

“Teachers show strong subject knowledge, and they present the information clearly. They understand how to sequence lessons.”

At the time of the inspection, there were 458 pupils at the school aged between three and 11.

School leaders were delighted with the improved Ofsted rating.

Tonya Brook, headteacher at Westborough, said: “The Ofsted report reflects how we, as a team, work hard to provide exciting learning opportunities for our pupils and instil our school values of kindness, respect, determination, creativity, inspiration, and teamwork to ensure we have high aspirations for all.

“We could not have achieved this without the support of our staff, pupils, and school community. We are very pleased and proud of our school.”

Andrew Cooper, CEO of the South East Essex Academy Trust, added: “Since joining the trust, the school has rapidly improved the quality of education.

“The school is fortunate to have some great teachers who show strong subject knowledge. It is a school where great teamwork is on display every day.”