A SPECIAL school in Cam for students with social, emotional and mental health needs has shot from ‘inadequate’ to ‘good’ in just one year.

The Peak Academy was inspected by Ofsted earlier last month and had a glowing report published on Saturday, June 25.

The inspecting body praised the school’s “strong leadership team” and the “accelerated progress” made by pupils since last year, giving it a grade of 'good' across the board.

Richard Lewis has been the principal of Peak Academy and Greenfield Academy for 12 months and his decisive leadership seems to have significantly altered the course of the school.

The two academies are on the same site and were both inspected at the same time, receiving the same result. 

He said: “I am passionate about protecting vulnerable people. The Academy has changed so dramatically that it barely resembles the one I inherited 12 months ago.

“The main focus has been developing a community of purpose. This includes the school, local community and countywide relationships.

“I am proud of my team and their consistent commitment in moving the school from ‘inadequate’ to ‘good’ across all areas within 12 months.”

The report, in its opening line, praises the leadership team: "Leadership and management are good. The

strong leadership team has set a clear direction and ethos, which everyone follows."

It also notes the confidence that students and parents have in the Peak Academy team, and later adds: "The school provides a safe and nurturing environment in which students blossom.

"They know what they can and cannot do, and how to improve their behaviour and raise their achievements."

On April 1 this year, the school officially changed sponsor to The White Horse Federation, which supports a number of schools across the south of England.

They are delighted with the work carried out at the school and its continued positive journey towards a mark of 'outstanding'.

CEO of the foundation Dr Nicholas Capstick said: "I couldn’t be happier for the school, the staff and the community but most of all for the parents who send their children to us as an act of trust every day.

"It is a school with strong leadership, focused staff and immense potential which makes me very excited about their future".

Though moving at considerable speed in the right direction, Ofsted noted a few ways the Academy could transform its ‘good’ grade to ‘outstanding’ in its next inspection.

They note that the school could provide more challenging work to its most able students, as well as assuring all students on the school’s role are correctly placed and in regular attendance.

The Peak Academy and Greenfield Academy currently have 53 students aged from 11 to 16 on their roll.