A SWANLEY secondary school is celebrating after a remarkable turnaround saw it become the most improved school in Kent.

Orchard’s Academy, in Saint Mary’s Road, received the lowest possible rating of ‘inadequate’, by school regulators Ofsted in a damning report written in 2008.

But following an inspection last month, the school has been rated ‘good’, the second highest rating, for quality of teaching, behaviour and safety of pupils and the school’s overall effectiveness.

GCSE results at the school, formally known as Swanley Technology College, have also improved dramatically.

Back in 2009, only 22 per cent of pupils achieved five or more A* to C grades including maths and English.

This has now more than doubled to 48 per cent.

Headteacher Ben Smith, who took over in December 2010, said: “There has been a real change in ethos at the school - 14 months ago the children were at school because they had to be here, now they are in school because they want to learn.

“I’ve been saying let’s think bigger and better and for someone to come in and say there’s a big difference and we are doing really well is a magnificent achievement for everyone.”

The report from 2008 repeatedly criticised the school, stating “achievement in the sixth form is inadequate,” and “too many students do not make satisfactory progress because they are not guided to choose the right courses.”

It condemned pupils' attendance levels, with inspector Alison Storey writing: “Some students do not do as well as they could because their attendance is so low - a significant minority miss the equivalent of a day or more per week.

“Too many students let things outside college influence them and their parents do not make sure they attend as regularly as they should.”

Elsewhere the report judged AS and A-Level exam results to be below average and also criticised the high number dropping out of their courses.

In contrast, the school was judged last month to be “good and rapidly improving.”

The inspector wrote: “Teaching in the majority of lessons is good and in some it is outstanding.

“Students behave well in lessons and around the school.

“They say they feel safe there.”

Headteacher Mr Smith added: “The school is vastly different to how it used to be and everyone says so as they come in.

“Our attendance is above the national average now and that is testament to the fact the quality of teaching is better and students understand the purpose of school.

“If Ofsted had said we are still satisfactory that would have been a real kick in the teeth.”

Orchards Academy teaches 840 students aged 11 to 18.

Orchard Academy 2012 Ofsted ratings

(1 the highest, 4 the lowest)

:: Achievement of pupils at the school - 2

:: Quality of teaching in the school - 2

:: Quality of the leadership in and management of the school - 2

:: Behaviour and safety of pupils at the school - 2