A SCHOOL is looking to fresh leadership to provide a boost towards improving its poor Ofsted grade.

Clacton Coastal Academy was told it ‘requires improvement’ when inspectors with the watchdog paid a visit.

While bosses say good progress has already been made, they hope the appointment of a new executive principal will provide a welcome boost.

Former principal Dale Jackson has stepped in to the role, hoping to carry the school’s “clear plan” forward.

He will work alongside the school’s principal Stephanie Neill to drive forward improvements.

Mr Jackson was appointed principal of Kingswood Academy in Hull in 2015, where he inspired a turnaround in fortune, leading the school from an ‘inadequate’ Ofsted grade to its current ‘good’ rating.

“I am delighted to be joining the team at Clacton,” he said.

“They are clearly making great strides already and have a clear plan to address what more needs to change. Clacton and Hull share a number of similarities as coastal towns, and I look forward to working with students and staff, parents and the wider community to help make this the great school that it can be.”

Mr Jackson takes up his role with immediate effect.

Mrs Neill added: “We’ve made some great progress already at the academy, and I am looking forward to working with Dale so that we can move forward even more quickly and improve the education that we offer.

“Everyone at Clacton is absolutely committed to providing the high-quality of education that local families deserve, ensuring that every student fulfils their true potential.”