A BOURNEMOUTH secondary school has “leapt” out of special measures thanks to “rapid improvement in all aspects of the school’s work”.

Ofsted inspectors now rate Winton Arts and Media College as a satisfactory school with good features including leadership and management and the behaviour and safety of pupils.

Now headteacher Ben Parnell hopes more parents will put their faith in the school and send their sons there in September.

Just 80 of 180 spaces at the Winton Way school have been taken up so far but Mr Parnell hopes parents and students will now change their minds.

“The inspectors were absolutely knocked out with the improvements that have been made” said Mr Parnell. “We have leapt out of special measures two terms before the normal process finishes which is a massive achievement for the staff, students, parents and local community.”

Mr Parnell said the school is on course for improved GCSE results this year with 65 per cent of Year 11 students already achieving a grade C or above in English because the exam was taken early.

Inspectors said the quality of teaching at the school is better, students are enjoying learning more and attendance has improved.

They also said disruption to lessons is rare, progress is faster and teachers provide students with clear objectives.

The leadership team has also been given targets to improve further including continuing to raise achievement in maths, closing the gap between disabled students and those with special educational needs and their peers and increasing the impact of marking.

In a letter to students, inspector Mary Massey said: “I have enjoyed visiting your school very much and am very pleased about the progress you have all made. I wish you all the very best for the future.”