OFSTED inspectors still say The Bishop of Hereford's Bluecoat School in Hereford requires improvement after their latest visit.

Inspectors visited the secondary school in May and said teaching, leadership and pupils' outcome all needed improvement.

Headteacher Martin Henton said that he has worked tirelessly with his new leadership team to address the points, but accepts the points. He was pleased with the behaviour of pupils.

He said: "First of all, it is important to say that I am very proud of the efforts everyone at the school is putting in to making the improvements that are required.

"It is disappointing not to see our overall grading changed at this stage, but I am confident that it is only matter of time given the commitment of every single member of staff here.

"The OfSTED report is hugely positive about our children. It was particularly pleasing to read that pupils 'are polite and courteous to one another, behave respectfully and thoughtfully. Their behaviour is praised as being 'good', and they were recognised as being 'attentive and co-operative' in most lessons.

"These points were reflected in a grading of 'Good' from the inspection team for 'personal development, behaviour and welfare', and it was also noted that our core Christian values are evident and demonstrated in every day school life.

"Among the other positives contained in the report are comments that safeguarding and student welfare are seen as a strength of the school, and also that pupils are following a broad and balanced curriculum."

The inspector also said most-able students are not making good enough progress as they are not challenged enough in their learning. They added the progress of disadvantaged pupils has only slightly improved since the last visit in 2018 and additional funding for these pupuls needs to be used more effectively.

Mr Henton added: "While we all know we have more improvements to make to ensure the quality of teaching is consistently high, I believe we are now in a strong position, with the OfSTED inspectors acknowledging the 'governing body is skilled and determined to make lasting improvements in the school'.

"To read that 'staff have faith in the ability of school leaders to bring about lasting improvement', that 'morale is high' and that 'staff and other leaders speak highly of the support they give each other', confirms what I already know about the school and that we will get to where we need to be quickly."