A city school which was rated inadequate amid fears over poor pupil behaviour has seen its status improve following a recent inspection.

City Academy Norwich was handed the lowest Ofsted rating available last year, with inspectors saying pupils felt "unsafe" due to the behaviour of others at the site.

However, inspectors returning to the school last month said positive changes had since been made, following "tireless efforts" to make improvements.

City Academy Norwich, which has seen its Ofsted rating boostedCity Academy Norwich, which has seen its Ofsted rating boosted

The academy, which joined the Sapientia Education Trust in 2022, has seen its rating boosted to 'requires improvement' - with inspectors acknowledging that staff were now "rightly asking more of pupils".

In his report, lead inspector Jonathan Rockey wrote: "Pupil behaviour has improved since the last inspection - classroom disruption is rare.

"However, levels of suspension remain high because pupils are still adjusting to the school's high expectations of conduct."

During its 2023 inspection, it was reported that a number of its pupils did not always feel safe at school, particularly at break times.

But Mr Rockey added that the school was heading in the right direction to address these concerns.

He added: "The school is committed to regaining its positive reputation in the local area and to continue to win back the hearts and minds of the community."

Jo Franklin, headteacher at City Academy NorwichJo Franklin, headteacher at City Academy Norwich (Image: Saptientia)

Jo Franklin, the school's headteacher, said: "I am really pleased that the hard work of staff, leaders, pupils and the wider community is recognised in the report's many positive comments.

"CAN is a much-improved school and Ofsted has recognised higher expectations, improved standards and much better pupil behaviour.

"This is an important milestone for the school and we will continue to work tirelessly on our journey to transform CAN."

Jonathan Taylor, chief executive of Sapientia, said: "CAN is now a much stronger school.

"It remains a work in progress - and our long-term aim is to deliver a transformed school that the community can be proud of.

"CAN's leadership has been instrumental in the rapid improvements recognised by Ofsted."