LAKERS School, which has been in Special Measures’ since January, has been given a hearty ‘thumbs up’ by Ofsted inspectors.

A monitoring inspection report by a team of four Ofsted inspectors, says the school is well on the road to having its ‘special measures’ status lifted.

However, the litmus test for the improvements noted by Ofsted will be the GCSE results, to be announced on August 25.

The report said: “Many aspects of leadership have improved since the last inspection, which in turn is having a positive effect on the quality of teaching and behaviour.

“Leaders at all levels have a clear understanding of the school’s weaknesses and are totally committed to addressing the areas for development arising from the previous inspection.”

The inspectors were particularly generous in their praise of Interim Head Teacher John Reilly, who, said: “Obviously we are pleased with this recognition of the actions we have taken.

“It is a great tribute to the staff and the pupils for all the hard work they have put in.

“Obviously there is still lots to do and we are now waiting for the GCSE results which will be an important indication of our progress.

“We are hoping for an improvement on last year’s results.”

• The school is now is working towards becoming an academy with the preferred sponsor, South Gloucestershire and Stroud Academy Trust, by the end of this year or the beginning of 2017.

The trust currently also runs Forest High School and St Anthony’s PrImary School in Cinderford.