A SCHOOL which was placed into special measures last year after a dip in exam results has been commended for 'taking effective action' by inspectors.

Queens Elizabeth Humanities College has been told that its action plans are 'fit for purpose' and that its leaders are taking effective action towards the removal of special measures, following an Ofsted monitoring inspection last month.

This monitoring followed a damming report by the education inspectors at the Bromyard school last year which deemed it 'inadequate' leading to the school being placed in special measures.

Headteacher Martin Farmer said he is “delighted” by the latest report and believes that it is firm evidence that college is “heading in the right direction”.

He added: "We are doing everything we can to put QE back to where we know it rightfully belongs – in the category of at least a ‘Good School’.

"This is a massive vote of confidence in what we are doing to secure good outcomes for all our students.”

The inspection authority is now allowing the school to hire newly qualified teachers before the next monitoring inspection.

“QE continues to be a school where children are valued, where they are happy and where they are safe, added Mr Farmer.

"Teaching continues to improve, in fact inspectors agreed with us in the first inspection that 16 of the 18 lessons observed were good or outstanding, the curriculum is richer and facilities are improving rapidly as well, as anyone who knows us will agree."

This year has seen the purchase of new canteen facilities, a makeover of the hall adding a gallery area, new stage, lighting and seating, refurbishments and overhauls of teaching rooms and the building fabric generally, plus a new secure locker system for students.

Mr Farmer added: “This most recent judgement has confirmed that we are committed – and are actively working towards - raising the achievement of all students and groups of students, including that of disadvantaged students and the most able. We continue to monitor rigorously the quality of teaching and students’ progress, including that of different groups of students in all year groups, so that underachievement is identified and arrested swiftly.

“Finally, we are also committed to ensuring that all teachers have the highest expectations of what students are capable of achieving.

“We are sure the local community – with whom we have worked with very closely – will join us in celebrating the findings of this monitoring report, but we all know that our hard work will continue.”

The school recently held a celebration evening for students who had excelled in a range of subjects and disciplines over the last academic year.

Hereford FC Chairman Jon Hale was guest of honour at the evening and presented 40 awards to pupils.

He made a the comparison between the revitalised Hereford FC and QE, referring to the enormous strides and progress QE has made since last year’s Ofsted report.