Ofsted places The Littlehampton Academy in special measures

In a highly critical report, Ofsted judged the school to be inadequate – the worst rating given by the watchdog – in three out of four areas.

Areas where the school was judged to be inadequate were: the achievment of pupils, the quality of teaching, and leadership and management.

The academy was judged to ‘require improvement’ in the behaviour and safety of its pupils.

In a summary of its key findings, Ofsted said students’ English and mathematics skills were ‘weak’ and teaching at the school ‘inadequate’.

The report also said former principal Steve Jewell had not ‘given strong enough direction for the academy or ensured it had improved students’ progress or the quality of teaching sufficiently’.

The school was last inspected in September, 2011, when it was judged to be ‘satisfactory’ – the second worst classification a school can be given.

In a statement released in response to Ofsted’s report, David Bilton, CEO of Woodard Academies Trust, said changes had already been made at the school following its own internal reviews.

These include the appointment of a new acting principal, Marianne Gentilli, and the removal of the school’s advisory body.

The trust also said Ofsted had made changes to its criteria, which in the short term would lead to more schools being placed in special measures.

Mr Bilton said: “We appreciate that there will be concern from parents and the wider community.

“Ofsted has recently changed its criteria, as part of its efforts to ensure today’s students receive outstanding education.

“While this invariably leads to more schools being subject to special measures in the short-term, it will yield benefits in the long-term and so is a move that Woodard Academies Trust, as a leading education provider, welcomes and fully supports.”

For the full story, including full statement from the Woodard Academies Trust, read the Gazette, out from Thursday, February 27.

To read the full report, visit http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/inspection-reports/find-inspection-report/provider/ELS/135745