WORLE Community School Academy has said that it will work "tirelessly" to improve after receiving a 'Requires Improvement' Ofsted rating.

The Redwing Drive school was inspected on November 14 and 15.

Referencing areas in which improvements can be made, the inspector wrote: "The curriculum is not taught consistently well. Teaching does not always check what pupils understand. As a result, misconceptions and gaps in knowledge remain, and pupils do not learn effectively.

"The trust needs to ensure that teaching is effective in helping pupils know and remember more.

"Some pupils, particularly those with SEND and those who are disadvantaged, are frequently absent from school. This means they miss out on learning. 

"Some pupils and parents lack confidence in the way that the school deals with concerns they have, including about bullying. Issues that are raised with the school sometimes persist for longer than they should.

"The school does not always check the impact of its actions, or that all staff are following agreed strategies, including how they support pupils with SEND."

Nevertheless, the Priory Learning Trust school was praised for promoting a positive ethos: "The school aims to make pupils PROUD (prepared, respectful, optimistic, understanding and determined). Pupils understand the school’s aims.

"Some pupils thrive as a result of the opportunities they have to develop their characters, talents and interests. There are clubs for music, art, drama and sports. Pupils are proud of the leadership roles they hold. Some become young journalists in the on-site news centre."

It was also noted that many pupils seem to enjoy school and that systems are in place to improve pupil's attendance and the curriculum.

Speaking about the report, principal Mr Tidman said: “Whilst we agree with the rating of Requires Improvement, we are determined and resolute in our work to make Worle a securely good school, and we will work tirelessly to achieve this.

“We absolutely acknowledge the areas that Ofsted have highlighted for improvement and these align closely with our current development planning.

“We need to ensure that as a school we build positive relationships throughout our school community and make certain that all of our pupils attend regularly and achieve the best possible outcomes.”

“It was very pleasing that what we are doing to improve the school has been recognised by Ofsted as working and we should continue with our ambitious plans, so that we are recognised as ‘good’ in our next full inspection.”