A TROUBLED school where a “toxic rape culture” previously pervaded has started to make improvements.

Colchester Royal Grammar School, in Lexden Road, was deemed inadequate by Ofsted following an inspection last May.

Following a safeguarding complaint, Ofsted made an unannounced visit to the school and highlighted concerns in an explosive report published last July.

It concluded a “significant number of pupils feel uncomfortable or unsafe in school” and highlighted “insulting and damaging comments regarding their gender, appearance, race or sexual orientation”.

As a result, the school, which has more than 1,000 students and is repeatedly in the top ten schools for A level results nationally, was rated inadequate and told it had “serious weaknesses.”

An inspector returned for a monitoring visit last month and a fresh report states they were satisfied with progress they saw and the plan the school has in place to remedy issues.

Ofsted Inspector John Mitcheson said, having considered the evidence gathered during his visit, the arrangements for safeguarding are effective and the school trust’s statement of action is fit for purpose.

He added the leaders and those responsible for governance are taking effective action towards the removal of the serious weaknesses designation.

Headteacher John Russell said: “There is one line that really shone out in this report, and that is the inspectors noted our young people said CRGS is a ‘safe and enjoyable place to be’.

“That is the reason why we have worked tirelessly over recent years to ensure we offer an environment where our students can thrive; both academically and emotionally.”

Janet Perry, the school’s chairwoman of governors, added: “I would particularly like to praise our committed staff who have shown superb resilience.

“We must also thank our students who have supported the school and responded to the challenges that we have faced. Their feedback and thoughts have been invaluable.

“This inspection is, however, a milestone on a much longer journey.

“We have adopted a raft of new processes and initiatives to build on the school’s ethos and values and these will take time to embed.

“At every stage we will evaluate the effectiveness of what has been done and look at how we can build on that.”