Lavington School told to pull its socks up (From This Is Wiltshire)

Lavington School, which was graded "outstanding" at its last Ofsted inspection four years ago, has been told that it needs to improve in almost all its areas of endeavour.

A report from Ofsted said the secondary school, which was so highly regarded by Ofsted it was granted academy status two years ago, requires improvement on three of the main criteria, achievement of pupils, the quality of teaching, leadership and management.

The report from lead inspector Christopher Russell said: "There has been a dip in the school's performance over the last 18 months. Examination results have fallen.

"There are two main causes for this decline: variability in the quality of teaching and weaknesses in the Key Stage 4 curriculum.

"These weaknesses have had a particular impact on the achievement of certain groups of students, particularly lower ability students and those with special educational needs.

"The senior leadership team have an accurate view of the school's effectiveness, but middle leaders' evaluations of their areas of responsibility are more variable in quality.

"Some are insufficiently precise and thorough."

Among the criticisms, Ofsted said when teachers work with the whole class they talk for too long, do not question students enough and fail to engage, interest and challenge them.

The only area that inspectors praised was the safety and behaviour of pupils.