Urswick secondary school in Paragon Road - which changed its name from Hackney Free and Parochial in September 2011 in a bid to shake off its poor image - was previously graded as only satisfactory by Ofsted inspectors in 2009.
Staff and students at a school previously considered one of the worst in the country are celebrating, after school inspectors proclaimed it is now good with outstanding features.
The Urswick School has now received a good report, with inspectors considering the behaviour and safety of students and the leadership and management of the school as outstanding.
In their report they wrote: “The head teacher has established a vision of excellence, shared by all members of the school community, which has the students’ success firmly at its heart.
“Strong leadership means that teaching has improved a great deal and continues to improve.”
Inspectors also commented that “students feel safe” in the school and that their behavior is excellent: “Relationships in this very diverse school are extremely positive,” they said.
“Students report there is little if any bullying and that any signs of it are dealt with quickly. “Their behaviour is exemplary, with the result that learning can take place unimpeded.”
Headteacher Richard Brown said the school has transformed over the last five years: “Ofsted have recognized the outstanding work of the staff and the fabulous behavior of our children,” he said.
“Hackney has another secondary school to be proud of.”
A £17m rebuild of the school was completed in September 2011 as part of the previous government’s Building Schools for the Future programme.
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