The new executive principal of Ipswich Academy has spoken of her desire to see the school become outstanding.

Pamela Hutchison was officially unveiled in her new role on Monday after previous principal, Nancy Robinson, stepped down after four years.

In an interview with the Ipswich Star, Mrs Hutchison said a new reward and consequences system for pupils had been put in place, while lesson times were now at 100 minutes, to aid the youngsters’ learning.

She added: “My role is to build upon the good start the school has had this year and to accelerate the progress the school is making.

“I just feel we are at the point where, absolutely, without a shadow of a doubt, we will make the progress we need to make.”

Glasgow-born Mrs Hutchison has done most of her teaching in England and has been headteacher at four schools.

She will spend a minimum of four days in Ipswich each week while the school continues its work towards improvement, which will initially focus on areas including improving the learning of students, behaviour and making progress in English and maths.

Mrs Hutchison is confident the school can move forward, following a disappointing Ofsted inspection last year and follow-up reports this year.

She added: “I am absolutely clear that within a couple of years, this will be recognised as a good school, moving towards outstanding.”

Some of the new measures put in place have also been praised by pupils at the academy.

They have said longer lessons have meant they are learning more while the rewards and consequences system has also improved behaviour.

Year 8 pupil Amy Old-Gooch, 12, said: “I am happy there has been a change because it has made a difference in behaviour and made a difference with how much work people are doing and how much progress is made with work.”

Fellow Year 8 pupil George Hudson added: “I think it is a good school, I think it has got a bad reputation but I think it is improving, definitely.”

That was a view held by 12-year-old Raydwan Miah, who said: “With the new headteacher and the new rules, the school is definitely going to improve.”