NEW head teacher Tina Barnes is reassuring parents that an improvement in student learning is already being seen at the failing Hatters Lane School.

The 53-year-old, who takes up her post officially in September, made the declaration after an LEA review team inspection this month which produced a favourable report.

The review team concluded that pupils at the High Wycombe school are showing a more positive attitude towards learning and greater respect for teachers.

It also said that one of the key factors contributing to the major improvement in pupils' behaviour is the reinforcement of high expectations led by Mrs Barnes.

Hatters Lane School is expected to close in August 2001 after a damning Ofsted report which identified a drop in both standards and pupil numbers.

The school has only 450 pupils, although its capacity is double that.

The slip in standards led Buckinghamshire County Council to set up a commission to try to identify ways of improving education at the school. It will give its proposals to the county education committee in October.

Linda Melton, of Wye Valley School, Bourne End, was also brought in as acting head and will stay on informally until September.

Mrs Barnes is focused on improving student behaviour, teaching and learning.

She has introduced strict rules about behaviour and uniform and has put in place procedures and systems to ensure they are working.

A strong team of teachers has been recruited and they will get in-service training to improve their skills.

The school will also be refurbished in stages, starting with three science labs and a new technology room.

Mrs Barnes said: 'I am still concerned about attendance because it is not good enough.

'When the figures are published for 1999/2000 we will find authorised absences is 86 per cent which is below what we would expect. If absences fall below 90 per cent it raises concern.'

Mike Harrison, senior advisory officer for the education department, said: 'The normal expectation is that to turn a school around takes a long time.

'We are astonished to see how quickly improvements have been made. We want to let the community know that things are really moving here.'