THORPE Bay High School is expected to be taken out of special measures following a surprise Ofsted inspection.

Sally Carr, Southend's councillor in charge of education, confirmed she was "hopeful" inspectors who spent two days there last week will take the school off the "failing" list.

She said: "Rumours are flying around at the moment, but I can honestly say that the determination has yet to be made. I'm hopeful it will come out of special measures."

Headteacher Jean Alder described the visit of the inspectors as a "relief", but would not speculate on the result.

Published Wednesday, December 7, 2005