Mr Brown said pupils were expected to have reached level four of Key Stage Two by the age of eleven.

BBC: Alan Brown

Figures released by the Education Department showed more pupils achieved a level four or five grade at Key Stage Two, compared to the previous year.

BBC: Alan Brown

It found its two strengths were rising standards in Key Stage 3 and in Key Stage 4 mathematics, and effective management of the construction work.

BBC: Thetford Academy put in special measures

Head teacher Dr Peter Kent said much of the school's success was down to Key Stage 4 being spread over three years rather than the traditional two.

BBC: Struggling pupils don't catch up, data shows

Another is to continue funding only Key Stage 4 pupils until the end of Year 11 to phase out the free transport over two years.

BBC: Parents protest over Luton council's faith school bus cuts