A SCHOOL once renowned for its chequered reputation has reinforced its status as a respected institution.

Oxford Spires Academy has impressed Ofsted in its first inspection since former principal Sue Croft was replaced in September.

The East Oxford secondary school, which teaches about 1,000 children and teenagers, has maintained its rating of 'good' following a visit in November.

A letter sent to new principal Marianne Blake, who joined in September, said: "You have already begun to build on the very successful legacy of your predecessor.

"You have raised expectations even further and taken action to accelerate pupils' progress.

"The atmosphere in your school is one of calm purpose and enjoyment of learning.

"Pupils' attendance is above the national average, and their behaviour in lessons and around the school is exemplary."

Ofsted last inspected the school in 2013, when a rating of 'good' marked the first milestone in an impressive turnaround.

Under its old name of Oxford Community School, before converting to an academy in 2011, the struggling school was often the subject of parents' and councillors' concern.

The new report portrays a very different school, noting staff feel 'valued and empowered' and progress of disadvantaged pupils outperforms the national average.

It adds: "The sustained improvement of the school has led to increasing confidence within the local community and increasing pupil numbers -it is now heavily oversubscribed."

Last year a former Oxford Spires pupil was jailed after becoming an ISIS extremist.

Ofsted did not mention this, but said: "Staff and governors receive helpful training that ensures they know how to keep pupils safe from abuse, sexual exploitation, radicalisation and extremism."

A stream of praise continued with a nod to 'dedicated and highly skilled pastoral staff' and an 'ambitious' leadership team.

Ms Blake said she was 'delighted', adding: "It's a friendly school, with a diverse community.

"All pupils, whatever their background, can succeed here."

As the recruitment crisis in teaching continues to grip other schools in Oxfordshire, as repeatedly reported in the Oxford Mail last year, Ms Blake said teachers felt proud to work at the school.

She said: "A good and consistent teaching staff is vital for a school to succeed.

"The first step is to keep those you have, and Oxford Spires holds on to teachers because they like working here.

"Students are fun and engaging, and teachers are encouraged to experiment with teaching styles."

Schools have struggled recently against reforms and funding.

Ms Blake said: "Managing a successful school without complacency remains a challenge, but it is a challenge we look forward to meeting -quite frankly, our students deserve success."