TAVISTOCK COLLEGE has had a real pre-Christmas boost from education inspectors at the end of Helen Salmon's first term as principal.
The Ofsted inspectors say they are pleased with the progress the college has made since it was placed in special measures in January.
In a major review of the college's progress, three inspectors spent two days at Tavistock this month and looked at many aspects of its work, including observing 19 different lessons.
Lead inspector Peter Sanderson concluded: 'The progress made by students is steadily improving.
'The college's tracking data indicate current Year 11 students will attain higher levels of attainment than the previous Year 11.
'The curriculum has continued to be developed well. The vocational-based courses introduced for Year 10 in September 2010 means the curriculum better meets the needs and interests of all students.'
Mr Sanderson said students report behaviour is continuing to improve and he says attendance is up and fixed-term exclusions are down.
The inspectors also highlight the way in which Mrs Salmon and the new leadership team have acted swiftly to respond robustly to the issues identified in previous visits.
'There are good relationships between staff and students,' said Mr Sanderson.
'When teaching is lively and interesting, students respond well. A good, new lesson planning form that has a clear focus on students' learning is being consistently used by all staff.'
He said students with special educational needs were doing better following the extra support provided by an SEN specialist who was driving significant improvement in that area.
'The governing body is monitoring the college's progress well and there are good, positive relations between the college and Devon County Council.
'They continue to work well together to improve provision and outcomes in the college,' said Mr Sanderson.
He praised the changes the college is making to the school day and said these sensible plans would make timetabling and the creation of more ability groups easier to manage.
This week Mrs Salmon welcomed the 'positive and encouraging' report.
'There is clearly still some work to do but we are very encouraged by the rapid progress that is being made,' she said. 'It is gratifying to see things improving rapidly in my first term here. Staff are working exceptionally hard to improve things for all the students.
'It is great news the inspectors have commended us for the rapid progress we are making.'
Chair of governors, Mandy Govier, said: 'I am delighted to see that the hard work and commitment of the staff is beginning to pay off.'