Ofsted inspectors have found a troubled Spalding school “inadequate” and in need of special measures.
The eagerly-awaited report published on Monday described Sir John Gleed School lacking in the achievement of pupils, quality of teaching, behaviour and safety of pupils and leadership and management.
It said: “This is a school in need of special measures.
“Behaviour at the school is very poor. Many lessons are disrupted and intimidatory behaviour is commonplace at break times.
“Students get too little homework. The work they do is not checked enough.
“Attendance is low and shows little signs of improving. Achievement is inadequate because too many lessons are disrupted.
“Even where lessons can proceed without interruption, teaching is often inadequate.
“The headteacher, senior leaders and the governing body have not done enough to tackle the poor behaviour and inadequate teaching. They believe the school to be better than it is.
“The governing body is ineffective. It has failed in its duty to look into the valid concerns raised by the community.”
Amidst the damning report, strengths of the school were highlighted.
The report said: “Around half of lessons visited were of good quality and a few were outstanding.
“Students arriving with little or no spoken English are made welcome. Teaching in the sixth form is generally good.”
Actions to improve the school were also outlined, including raising achievement, improving behaviour, gaining trust of staff and community and a review of governance.
Rebecca Thirkell, who called in Ofsted after raising concerns about discipline, said it was a big day for students and the school.
She said: “I’ve had many headaches over it, but it is a big day for the students and school
“I am pleased it has been acknowledged that there are many areas that need addressing.
“I just hope that the school can make the changes quickly and that parents support the school and their children. The students also have their role to play and need to cooperate with the school rules.“
Since Ofsted’s inspection over three days in April, headteacher Mrs Janet Daniels left the school and her deputy Mr William Scott took over as acting headteacher.
Parents were invited to meetings to discuss the report yesterday (Wednesday).
The school was unable to comment before the Free Press went to press on Monday, but a report on the school’s action plan and a new hope for the future is in tomorrow’s Spalding Guardian.