A ONCE struggling school is now more popular than ever with parents and students.

More people than ever are choosing to send their children to Brighton Aldridge Community Academy (Baca) in Lewes Road, Brighton.

This year 886 students are on the roll, the highest number since the academy opened in 2010.

Chairman of governors Jim May said: “When Dylan Davies was appointed principal in January 2014 our roll was 557 students. Building on our good Ofsted rating last year this degree of growth in student numbers in this period is testimony to the leadership at Baca and the hard work of our staff.

“Importantly this is a great vote of confidence by students and the parents in Brighton in the progress and direction of travel at Baca.

“In addition to more students joining us at secondary level, our sixth form is continuing to grow. Unique partnerships with local organisations from new media to construction to sport are giving our students a real advantage as they move on to higher education or employment.”

Baca was rated good by Ofsted in January, after being previously rated requiring improvement.

The school was made an academy in 2010, replacing Falmer High School.

This month the school drew record crowds to its open evening with more than 640 people visiting its Falmer campus.

Dylan Davies, principal, said: “Our mission is to ensure Baca students are the first choice recruits for universities and employers.

“At Baca we believe in each other, ourselves and what we can achieve. We live by our motto ‘believe you can’.

“Through our creative and innovative approach to education, students develop entrepreneurial skills and set ambitious goals that enable them to confidently follow their passions into a successful future. It is very pleasing that more and more young people are choosing Baca as their preferred school.”

Parents who want to arrange a visit should contact the school. There is also an open evening for the sixth-form on November 30.