LESS THAN a year ago, Woodlands School, in Basildon, was struggling.

It had been put in special measures and education watchdog Ofsted raised concerns over teaching and student achievements.

Its headteacher at the time, Andy White, resigned.

But now the school is back on the up. It is out of special measures, has a new headteacher at the helm and has drafted in 24 new teachers to give pupils the best possible education.

So rapid has its turnaround been, Stephen Metcalfe, MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, raised their success with ministers in a parliamentary debate.

Simon Cox, the school's headteacher, said: “It really is amazing we have come out of special measures in only two terms and it is testament to the hard work from everyone.”

Mr Cox, who has been a teacher at schools in Essex and London, took over this term and hopes see the school become an academy in the coming months.

Among his changes have been to give Year 11 students a longer day than the rest of the school, with the last 40 minutes dedicated to mentoring sessions aimed at getting them to achieve more.

School prefects have also been introduced, with 115 being chosen following an interview from the 150 who applied.

In addition, children are no longer excluded if they behave badly, instead being dealt with inside school.

Mr Cox said: “It really is about making every child aware they can do whatever they want to in the long term, they can achieve.

“What we have realised is that if we don’t get it right now, then children will lose out in their GCSEs.

The Year 11 groups are aimed at different students, so some who are already getting As will be encourage through mentoring to get A*s.

“Whatever they do, they are being mentored by businesses, parents and teachers to inspire them to do more.

“The prefects really are excellent.

Whatever is going on they are at the heart of it, whether it’s break time or an after school club.”

Twenty four new teachers have also been recruited, many from outstanding schools.

Mr Cox said: “They reflect the change in our intentions.

“Some people couldn’t join us on the Woodlands journey, and that’s alright.

“Those teachers are right across the school, in our maths department, to religious studies, to performing arts.

“They are making a difference.”

Teachers, prefects and an extended school day aren’t the only things which are new.

At the end of last term, the whole school moved from Takely End to Woodlands Approach, a site next to the original school.

Students now have access to their own fully-fitted gym, science laboratories, performing arts areas and brand new classrooms.

They also have unisex toilets which are open to the corridor, which Mr Cox said has successfully prevented any bullying.

It is still a period of change for Woodlands. But staff are hopeful that its next Ofsted report will be good, if not outstanding.

Mr Cox added: “Of course, that is our aim, to have an outstanding school and I am sure we will.

“We want every child possible to come here and do the best they can.”

Karen Kerridge, headteacher of Benfleet’s Appleton School, has overseen a lot of the changes this year after being appointed executive headteacher of Woodlands last November.

When Woodlands turns into an academy, the school will be sponsored by Appleton.

Ms Kerridge said: “We very much wanted to continue our partnership as both schools get a lot out of it.

“We expect Woodlands to become an academy in November or December.

“I know the school has a bright future ahead of it under Mr Cox.”

! Woodlands is holding an open day for all prospective students and their parents next month.

It will take place on October 7 from 5pm to 9pm.

All are welcome and there is no need to book.