WILLIAM de Ferrers Academy in South Woodham Ferrers is improving.

Last month, Ofsted inspectors ruled pupil achievement, quality of teaching and leadership and management needed to be better but pupil behaviour and safety was good.

Now in a letter to headteacher Neal McGowan, Ofsted stated senior leaders and governors were taking effective action to tackle the areas identified.

He said the school must work on thoroughly evaluating every subject leader’s effectiveness in leading improvements.

Teaching quality has already improved and detailed plans for raising achievement in all subjects are in place.

Essex County Council has also given staff and governors support and training, which will be maintained over the next year.