A new headteacher has promised to make a failing secondary school turn the corner, writes Paul Warner.

Graham Rob, 46, takes over in September at Banbury's Drayton School, which has been on special measures for more than a year after being heavily criticised by Ofsted inspectors in September.

The school, which has 610 pupils, mainly from the notorious Bretch Hill and Hardwick estates, has consistently returned poor GCSE results. Mr Rob, who lives in Middleton Cheney and is the chief inspector of career services at the Department of Education, has set out a number of key objectives to improve the school, including improving links with North Oxfordshire College and Banbury School, where pupils from Drayton can further their education.

He also aims to improve the quality of teaching at the school and extend information technology classes. He said: "Pupils have wanted to succeed and they'll do that by being ready to learn every day when they come to school."

Deputy headteacher Michael Dennison, who is in charge until Mr Rob takes over, said: "I think the school has been branded with a negative reputation which has not done the school any good."

Story date: Friday 07 May

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