holbrook: A new interim headteacher has today been appointed to help steer Holbrook High School through special measures.

It comes as Ofsted judged the school is making satisfactory progress out of special measures and the school reveals it will change its name to Holbrook Academy.

The school was plunged into special measures following an Ofsted inspection in April. Inspectors found the school’s performance to be inadequate in all categories.

Then headteacher Debra Pritchard left by mutual agreement a month later. She was replaced by the first interim head, Martyn Berry in June.

A follow up visit by inspectors last month revealed there is no longer any inadequate teaching but it is likely the school will remain in special measures until April 2014.

The chair of governors, Jane Gould, said: “We are pleased with the outcome of the latest inspection and recognise the hard work being put in by both staff and students. Many of the immediate problems have been dealt with.

“We now need to consolidate and build on this good start.”

Mr Berry will be succeeded after Christmas by another former headteacher, Philip O’Hear. Mr O’Hear began his teaching career in Ipswich and lives in Suffolk.

“We are grateful to Martyn for all he has done for the school and wish him well with future projects”, added Mrs Gould.

“Philip brings yet more experience. He is an ideal guide for this next phase of recovery.”

The school will start the search for a permanent principal early in the new year.