ADDINGTON High still needs regular monitoring and support, education inspectors have said.
Ofsted inspectors visited the school on March 5 and 6, six days into acting head teacher James Malley's tenure, and said it is not ready to leave special measures.
They said the "culture" of the school was moving in the "right direction," with "uncompromising expectations" understood by staff, parents and carers.
Behaviour in lessons is "better managed," they added, saying: "There is a stronger focus on maintaining learning; exclusions are beginning to fall as a result."
However, lead inspector Christine Raeside said achievement in lessons was inconsistent and there were concerns about the achievements of students in Year 10.
She added: "Students are not gaining the confidence they lack to express themselves clearly, verbally or in writing.
"They are, however, more conscious of the need to present their work neatly and to complete work set and this is better reflected in their books."
The school is due to convert to academy status from April 1 or soon after, sponsored by Ravens Wood school in Bromley.
John Hernandez, head teacher of Norlington School for Boys and former deputy head at Ravens Wood, has been appointed executive head.
Ms Raeside added that a new six-week cycle of evaluation was in place at Addington, adopted from the sponsor school.