A struggling school has received another positive inspection report as it bids to fight off being taken over by a private company.

Bosses at James Hornsby High School, in Leinster Road, Laindon, which once had one of the worst examination records in the country, are expecting to be out of special measures soon.

Headteacher Jacqueline White said: "We were delighted. The report showed we have made good progress, so in terms of improvement that is top marks.

"The inspectors were so impressed with seeing the school in action, as well as the students' behaviour and their attitude to learning."

The school received its first boost in July with the first good Ofsted report, a year after being placed under special measures.

However, the school still faces being controlled by a private company.

Ms White said: "We are delighted we are sustaining improvement. We are on the right track. But this doesn't mean we won't continue to improve. We are not a school that stands still."

Essex County Council says there is no plan in place to put the school under private management - but that it is one of the options being considered.

Published Tuesday October 15, 2002

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