The headteacher of a school branded as failing its pupils has vowed to turn it around within the next 12 months.

Graham Blois, head of Thorpe Bay School, was responding to criticism by Government inspectors who have placed the school on special measures.

He said: "I am very optimistic. This is a good school which is going to get better."

When OFSTED inspectors visited the Southchurch Boulevard secondary, they found less than 70 per cent of children in their classes, soaring numbers of exclusions and inconsistent teaching standards.

Students' attainment was also well below national averages.

The inspectors ruled the school had not improved sufficiently since its last full inspection in October 1997 and placed it on the special measures blacklist.

Now, a 30-plus page action plan to bring the school back up to scratch is being formulated.

The 100-odd staff have two years to turn the 780-pupil school around, but Mr Blois wants to do it in one.

He said: "There is a lot of good in this school. Improvements are needed in some areas, but a lot of changes have already been put into place and more will be introduced at the school year progresses." Schemes to improve the school include:

Recruiting more teachers and education welfare staff

Contacting a pupil's home the first day they are away to ensure their absence is legitimate

Setting up incentive schemes for pupils' attendance and effort

Checking outside school to ensure pupils are not playing truant

Ensuring work is marked properly

Running courses for teachers in classroom management

Offering support to pupils and their families if they are having difficulties at home

Insisting pupils who are not punctual or absent from school stay late to make up the time missed.

Mr Blois is looking to make teaching more tailored to pupils' needs.

He said: "We aim to make lessons more dynamic, to get pupils actively involved, so that they are sorry when the bell rings and it is time to go home.

He added: "We have some excellent staff and supportive parents I want the inspectors to agree with that.

"Satisfactory is not good enough for our pupils."

No complaints over school says mum

Thorpe Bay is an excellent school, according to mum Sandra Sexton.

All three of her children have attended the school and she is delighted with the education they have received.

Mrs Sexton, of Stanier Close, Westcliff, said: "My daughter Natasha left last term with nine GCSEs and has gone on to study animal science at college.

"They have dealt with all my concerns promptly and effectively.

"Natasha was bullied when she was younger and when I told the school, it was dealt with immediately.

"My son has extra help with his reading and writing, and will not miss one day of school."

She explained how he has received three prizes for his 100 per cent attendance last school year including a gift voucher and visit to the Kursaal.

She added: "The school is excellent.

"I have no complaints."

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.