A BASILDON secondary which been told needs "significant improvement" by the education watchdog has responded by saying it is "delighted" that Ofsted has recognised changes already made since its previous inspection.

Ofsted has said the measure of attendance and behaviour at Basildon Lower Academy needs "urgent improvement".

An Ofsted statement from a report published June 9 said: "His Majesty's Chief Inspector is of the opinion that this school requires significant improvement because it is performing significantly less well than it might in all the circumstances reasonably be expected to perform."

But the school has met the expected standard for achievement, curriculum and teaching, inclusion, personal development and wellbeing.

An Ofsted statement said: "Pupils at Basildon Lower Academy experience a welcoming and inclusive environment. Classrooms are calm and orderly, with routines that support learning. Pupils behave respectfully and understand the school's expectations."

Issues around attendance classed as "an urgent priority" were recognised by the school after Ofsted said work to address low attendance has not had sufficient impact and too many pupils miss significant amounts of school.

Head teacher Rebecca Rees said: "Leaders recognise that improving overall attendance remains a key priority. Inspectors acknowledged the academy's intensive and focused work in this area, alongside leaders' accurate and honest understanding of the challenges and their clear determination to improve outcomes.

"Inspection evidence confirms that decisive action is being taken to improve attendance. The academy will continue targeted work with families, supported by external partners, early interventions with primary schools, and multi-agency collaboration to ensure that every pupil attends regularly and benefits fully from their education."

The last inspection in 2023 – made under a previous metric – found the school "requires improvement".

The school's headteacher added: "Over this period, Basildon Lower Academy has demonstrated sustained progress across a wide range of key areas, including pupil achievement, curriculum quality, teaching, behaviour and inclusion. The inspection confirms that pupils benefit from a safe, supportive and inclusive environment.

"Ofsted highlights that pupils learn within an ambitious, broad and coherently sequenced curriculum, enabling them to build knowledge securely over time and develop confidence as learners.

"We are particularly pleased that Ofsted recognises the improvement in pupil achievement. Inspectors confirmed that disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities are well supported and typically achieve in line with their peers.

"The report contains consistent praise for pupils' behaviour and conduct. Classrooms are calm and orderly, routines are well established, and pupils demonstrate focus, respect and positive attitudes to learning.

"This marks a significant improvement since the previous inspection and reflects the high expectations and consistency embedded across the academy."