Suffolk Coastal MP Therese Coffey has renewed her calls for academy provider AET to withdraw from Felixstowe Academy “for the benefit of pupils”.

East Anglian Daily Times: Therese Coffey is concerned about AET staying on as academy provider Picture: GREGG BROWNTherese Coffey is concerned about AET staying on as academy provider Picture: GREGG BROWN (Image: Archant)

Dr Coffey was responding to the Progress 8 figures which were released earlier this week.

Progress 8 looks at how well GCSE students, of all abilities have progressed since the age of 11 and compares them with students who achieves similar levels in Key Stage 2 across the country.

Across the county 1% more students achieved the expected standards in English and maths than last year.

At Felixstowe Academy the percentage of students achieving a grade 5 or above in their English and maths GCSE was over 7% lower than the local authority average. In total, the school was given a score of -0.50, having been marked as below average in a number of categories.

Felixstowe Academy was rated ‘inadequate’ following an Ofsted inspection in November 2017.

Ofsted returned there in June for an interim inspection and praised progress in some areas.

Despite the report Dr Coffey said she remained concerned about the academy provider at Felixstowe Academy, AET.

After this week’s report Dr Coffey re-emphasised her calls for a change in provider at the school. She said: “With a P8 score of - 0.5, worse than they forecast, with EBacc entries less than 10%, it is time for AET to focus on the future of the children of Felixstowe and stop clinging on to the running this school. Fresh leadership for the benefit of pupils is required.”

AET said: “Clearly there is more work to be done, and we have a robust and rigorous action plan in train, which Ofsted took account of as part of their most recent judgement. We are absolutely committed to turning this school around and delivering a good standard of education as quickly as possible.

“The recent GCSE data shows a marked improvement on last year, with Felixstowe Academy now above the Government’s minimum ‘floor’ standard. Both progress and attainment have improved, with English and maths both showing significant strides forward. Ofsted noted in their most recent visit the positive impact of the changes that have been made, specifically on leadership, teaching and governance. They conclude that AET is taking ‘effective action’.”