A Gosport secondary school has been told it is ‘prioritising the need for improvement’ after it was rated ‘requires improvement’ by Ofsted at its last inspection.

Bay House School in Gosport looks after more than 2,100 students, around 420 of which attend the Bay House sixth form at the school.

In 2022, the school went from being rated ‘good’ to ‘requires improvement’ by the education regulator, with standards dropping from its prior inspection in 2017.

Two years on from the last visit, Ofsted inspectors have completed a monitoring visit and highlighted a number of improvements that have been put in place.

In the report, sent to Bay House School headteacher, Chris Willis, the inspector wrote: “You have rightly prioritised improving pupils’ behaviour and attitudes.

“Since the previous inspection, changes to the behaviour policy and increased staff presence have supported improvements in pupils’ conduct in lessons and around school.

“There are a range of appropriate assessment and feedback approaches in action across the school.

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“As a result, many pupils can clearly explain what they are doing well and how they might further improve.”

The inspector added that pupils across the school are offered a broader curriculum than was the case at the 2022 inspection.

The report continued: “Many staff speak positively about the improvements and are optimistic about the future. Some changes are in the earliest stages, and this work needs to continue.”

Headteacher Chris Willis said that the school had welcomed the encouraging report from the inspector but acknowledged work is still to be done.

He said: “While we celebrate these improvements, we acknowledge that there remain key areas for us to continue in our work.

“We will continue to address the areas of concern outlined in the full inspection.

“We are pleased with our progress but not complacent in our approach. This is a school with a very strong reputation.

“In recent years we have fallen below the very high standards set but are working relentlessly to return this wonderful school to its former glory.”