THE principal of Taunton Academy says he is determined to make the school ‘outstanding’ after inspectors rated it ‘good’ in nearly all areas.

Mark Trusson wants to continue the improvement shown at the three-year-old school since it was slammed as ‘inadequate’ with “serious weaknesses” by Ofsted just 18 months ago.

The latest report concludes that the academy has made “rapid improvements” in all areas, with its grading rising from four to three for overall effectiveness.

Taunton Academy, off Cheddon Road, was established following the closure of Ladymead and St Augustine of Canterbury Schools.

The report, which rates leadership and management and sixth form provision as ‘good’, says: “All aspects of the academy’s performance are improving.

“The two former schools have been merged successfully and are now on one site ... teaching is continuing to improve.”

The number of students making expected progress has improved, while six-formers all go on to education, employment or training.

The quality of teaching is also getting better, while students behave well in most lessons and around the campus, where they feel safe, the report claims.

Mr Trusson said this year’s record GCSE and A-level results were proof things were being transformed, adding: “In two years we’ve made huge strides and the acknowledgement that we are improving rapidly in all areas is welcome.”

The report acknowledges that some improvements are still required but Mr Trusson said: “When you consider the journey of our first three years as an academy, merged from two predecessor schools that were split across two sites one mile apart – and one site was under construction for large periods of time – our progress indicates that we are poised to claim that ‘good’ rating in every area.

“This year will be the second year of being on the new single site. It is fantastically resourced and we fully expect to continue to go from strength to strength and achieve ‘outstanding’ Ofsted status in a rapid timescale.”

Mary Cridge, chairman of governors, said: “We’re delighted that both the work of the management and its governance has been rated so highly.

“This gives the school the perfect platform to continue its progress in addressing any areas for improvement, and we are confident that we will move to an overall ‘good’ at the next Ofsted inspection.”