Maryport's Netherhall School could be out of special measures by September when Ofsted inspectors will pay a monitoring visit.

Headteacher David Tromans said it is possible they would see enough improvements to remove the special measures.

In the meantime, he has been delighted at the support from the community after Ofsted named it as failing.

“The support has been tremendous – from parents, students and community groups.

“I knew what I was coming in to when I took this job and I am here because I believe every student in this school deserves to achieve.”

He said that included giving them the same opportunities as everywhere else. An illustration of this is that students can now do French to and advanced maths to A-level.

He paid tribute to his staff and said this year’s exam results would prove the school was moving forward.

Chairwoman of governors, Jan Clark, said: “That disappointment was followed by a determination to follow the right course of action for the school.

She said Netherhall had been in a state of transition for the past 12 months but would go forward under Mr Tromans who had “that magic power to inspire staff and students alike.”

Students have also been quick to defend their school, including Kaylen Forsyth, 17, and Reagan Graham, 16, who are first year A-level students. Both said the Ofsted report does not reflect the school they know.

Kaylen added: “The timing of the inspection was wrong. Mr Tromans has not been here long enough and the school is improving.”

All students praised Mr Tromans. They said he looked for the positive in people instead of telling them where they had gone wrong.

They were also happy about the increased number of extra-curricular activities and an improved atmosphere around the school since he started.

Scott Moon, 14, said: “School is class because it is friendly.”