Inspiration at the end of year awards evening in July from Olympic judo silver medallist Kate Howey, with from left, Mitchell Wyatt, Emma Woolford, Andrew Fleet, Nathan Bailey, Rachel Worthington, Ben Newdick

When Andrew Fleet was appointed headteacher of Hreod Parkway in 1997 it was already a school facing difficulties. As an experienced head he knew that driving the school forward would not be easy. The critical Ofsted report in April which put Hreod Parkway into Special Measures, confirmed that it is being led in the right direction. At the start of the new year he reflects on the inspection and the way ahead.

As Hreod Parkway broke for the summer there was an air of buoyancy and optimism stronger than I have experienced since I joined the school four years ago.

You might say, 'Strange, after a year when Ofsted inspectors criticised the school, all the negative headlines and staffing difficulties.' In many ways Special Measures for Hreod has brought the community together with a new sense of purpose, a realism of the journey we have travelled and a vision of where we intend to be.

In 1996 Ofsted inspectors said the school had 'serious weaknesses.' Further inspection would mean either a 'clean bill of health' or 'Special Measures.' There were no other options. The latest inspection was a positive step because it confirmed that teaching had improved and 'green shoots' of progress were developing, while pointing up weaknesses which still have to be tackled.

The action planning process involved teachers, governors, parents and the pupil school council in drawing up a clear agenda to take the school forward. Her Majesty's Inspectors, visiting the school, have confirmed that the Action Plan is 'good' and that we 'have the capacity' to rapidly move out of Special Measures.

There are seven Action Plan goals:

1. Raise the level of pupil achievement and progress.

2. Continue to improve the quality of teaching.

3. Raise the level of achievement of those with Special Needs.

4. Improve the Key Stage 3 curriculum.

5. Improve the behaviour of a minority of pupils.

6. Improve the management and leadership.

7. Improve the overall quality of the school's accommodation.

This agenda is being tackled with vigour. Schemes of work have been re-written, new setting arrangements for classes are in place, GCSE and GNVQ courses have been extended and the leadership has been strengthened with two additional deputy head posts, new faculty leaders, a business manager and three new governors from Swindon Borough Council.

Special Measures has brought from Swindon Council a clarity of interest and coordination which was not experienced prior to inspection. It is committed to short-term building improvements and is bidding for funds for a brand new school on one site by 2004.

The under-funding of Swindon schools cannot be separated from the struggle which Hreod Park-way and others face. Lack of resources, even with welcome add-on funding for our Action Plan, makes it harder to move forward. The recent challenge to central government on this issue is vital.

Nevertheless, against a backcloth of under-funding, rapid growth and teacher shortages the school has been successful in retaining an experienced staff who are upbeat about the future. Seventeen new teachers join us in September and bring a wealth of experience and a dedication to improvement. The Key Stage 3 National Tests this year are the best ever and show almost ten per cent improvement on last year in English, Maths and Science.

Our vision to create a purposeful learning community, with high achievement for all, has moved a step further forward by this experience - cathartic though it has been. We will meet the expectations of pupils, parents and inspectors in the future. From this will re-emerge a confidence in Hreod Parkway which for some has been knocked by recent headlines.