THE man who has been given the job of turning around a city school says it will be out of special measures by the start of the next academic year.

Patrick Ottley-O’Connor joined The Hereford Academy, which has been in special measures since February last year, as interim principal following the resignation of John Sheppard.

According to provisional results listed online by the Department for Education, just 33 per cent of pupils at the academy achieved five A* to C GCSEs (or equivalent) including English and maths this year. The government’s floor standard is 40 per cent.

But Mr Ottley-O’Connor, who has considerable experience leading secondary schools and recently worked with E-ACT – a leading, independent academy sponsor which manages, maintains and develops academies, said changes are already under way and is confident next year’s results will be the academy’s best on record.

“Part of my role is to go in and make sure those students facing external examinations get the best possible deal. The results for the academy this year will be record,” he said.

“It is also about improving the quality of teaching across all year groups, working with groups of staff to lift that quality of teaching.”

Mr Ottley-O’Connor says he has a 100-day plan to get things on track and, now just over 30 days in, there has already been a shift in feelings within the school.

He is working in partnership with Tracey Kneale, national leader of education and head teacher at nearby Marlbrook Primary School, a national support and teaching school.

The aim, Mr Ottley- O’Connor states, is to have a more strategic approach to the things the Academy already does well while focusing on individual achievements and to personalise learning.

Some simple measures already introduced include ensuring mobile phones are away during lessons and also ensuring students wear their school uniform correctly. Recruitment is ongoing for the person who will take the academy forward from next September.

Applications close before Christmas and a new head is expected to be appointed in January.

“It just needs that lift and that strategic lead, focusing on what is really important,” added Mr Ottley- O’Connor. “It’s an absolute privilege to be here, a pleasure. It’s a place full of energy and hope. I do believe that by September 2016 it will be out of special measures.”