Miss Bidmead said: “This is a significant moment and a major step forward for this academy.

“For a number of years, it has been placed in special measures.

“That tag is no longer around our neck and credit should be given to the students, staff, governors and sponsors for the hard work that has gone in to turning the academy around.

“Everybody knows there remains much to be done. Inspectors said the academy now requires improvement and we accept that.

“But being taking out of special measures has given everybody an enormous boost. It is further evidence that the changes we have made are working. We now need to keep pressing ahead.”

Mr Tarn congratulated Miss Bidmead, appointed just over two years ago, and her team for the turn around.

“This school has been in special measures for almost five years,” he said. “The Principal, Zoe Bidmead, has transformed Melior Community Academy in the short time she has been leading it.

“Zoe has created a highly effective senior team that is rightly now focussed on providing an outstanding education for students. I am confident that these improvements, recognised in the report, will ensure the school from moves from strength to strength.”

Inspectors, highlighting the academy’s strengths, praised the impact of Miss Bidmead and Delta.