A school for children with special needs has been praised for improvement after its first inspection since becoming an academy.

William Morris School left council control in 2012 and was judged as being 'satisfactory' by Ofsted at the time.

The school, in Folly Lane, Walthamstow, was placed in special measures in 2011 but managed to gain a satisfactory inspection from Ofsted while undergoing the process to become an academy.

In July this year inspectors visited the school to check on its progress since the change was made.

The report, released today, indicated that it is still on the right track.

Paul Edwards, lead inspector, wrote in his report that the school was making improvements.

He said: “Since becoming an academy, the quality of teaching has continued to improve and is now consistently good. Teachers expect students to work hard and to do well.

“The sixth form is good. Students are provided with a good range of subjects and activities that prepare them well for the world of work or for further study.

“Students with profound learning difficulties are supported well, enabling them to achieve their potential.”

Executive principal Gary Pocock said: We are delighted with the Ofsted report – it recognises the immense effort and determination of staff and students over the last three years.

"The inspection team were highly complimentary of the fantastic young people that come to William Morris School. Wherever the inspectors went they were met with courteous and enthusiastic students who couldn’t wait to tell them what they thought about their school.

"I have been at William Morris for over three years now, since it first went into special measures, and the transformation has been incredible.

"Our goal now is to carry on working hard to become an outstanding school at the next inspection. Ofsted were very clear that this is well within our grasp and that we know what to do to get even better."

The school which supports 135 young people with special needs, 45 of which are in the sixth form.