BANKFIELD School in Widnes branded ‘inadequate’ by Ofsted inspectors and placed in special measures is continuing to make good progress, say education chiefs.

After a monitoring inspection, the school has been given permission to recruit three newly qualified teachers in english, maths and modern foreign languages.

Ofsted inspector David Selby said: “The school is making reasonable progress towards the removal of special measures.

“The achievement of students in year 11 is rapidly improving.

“School leaders have acted decisively to improve teaching. The behaviour of students has improved.

“Parents’ confidence in the school has increased.

“A clear culture of high expectation and strong accountability has been created at all levels.”

Harry Ziman, chairman of the interim executive board, said: “This is excellent news. It provides a secure foundation for the community to have confidence in the future of the school.

“Staff morale is high and teachers feel optimistic.”

A ‘Bankfield bash’ was held on Saturday to say farewell to the school. A family fun day of games and entertainment included ‘old dinners’ being served in the canteen.

It re-opens as Ormiston Chadwick Academy in September, named after top British scientist Sir James Chadwick who discovered the neutron.

John Rigby has been appointed executive principal and will lead the Liverpool Road school and Ormiston Bolingbroke Academy in Runcorn.

New principal Tuesday Humby said: “I’m so pleased for the Bankfield School community that it ends on such a positive note.”

The new school will open with a fresh slate and no longer be in special measures. An Ofsted inspection cannot be carried out before the fifth term.