COLCHESTER’S biggest secondary school has improved its Ofsted rating to “good” – and has its sights set on becoming outstanding.

Philip Morant School, which has 1,643 pupils, was told its “requires improvement” two years ago.

A report released today praised the determined and decisive leadership of principal Catherine Hutley, senior teachers and governors, and their uncompromising insistence on high standards.

The zero-tolerance approach to behaviour has helped to minimise disruption to learning.

Mrs Hutley, who took over in September, said the previous damning report had been fair and she recognised action needed to be taken.

She said: “The school had a series of headteachers and there was no stability within the leadership of the school or accountability.”

She revealed half of the 100 teaching staff had left since the inspection in 2013 and existing and new teachers had been helped by professional development.

She said of the new report: “It is a testament to the incredible work of the staff and students and the support of the parents and carers.

“It is also down to the collaboration with the Colne Community School, in Brightlingsea.

“We see this as a reward for the hard work, but also the beginning, the platform from which to move towards becoming outstanding.”

Ms Hutley said the school is oversubscribed with 800 applications for 280 places in Year 7.

However, it will not be looking to take on the former Alderman Blaxill School site.

She said: “Before we think about expanding, we have to consolidate here and move towards outstanding.”

The inspectors said the school must now continue to raise attainment in maths, science and encourage all pupils to work with the same drive and ambition displayed by the majority.

A total of 63 per cent of GCSE pupils got at least five A* to C grades, including English and maths in 2014, making it the best non-selective state school in Colchester.