THE head teacher of Waseley Hills high School in Rubery said he is ‘disappointed’ with the result of the most recent Ofsted inspection in June, which found that the school ‘required improvement’.

Despite recognising improvements in the curriculum, teaching and outcomes for disadvantaged students, inspectors graded the school ‘requires improvement’ in all but one category, personal development, which was rated ‘good’.

A follow-up report stated that, historically, GCSE examinations ‘have not been good enough’, with pupils’ progress in 2016 and 2017 falling below the national average.

It found that a minority of teachers were not challenging pupils enough and that the school’s assessment policy was not being applied consistently.

The school was previously rated good in January 2015.

However, inspectors did notice improvements in pupils’ progress, particularly at key stage three, and new governors were found to be having an immediate and positive impact.

Pupils were described as well-behaved, polite and respectful and teachers were found to be committed to students’ welfare.

Inspectors praised the school for taking action to address previously identified weaknesses. More pupils were taking modern languages, leaders offered a wide range of after-school clubs, and attendance had improved.

Head teacher Alan Roll said: "We were disappointed with the result, but the Ofsted team did say it was one of the most difficult inspections they had undertaken, because so much about the school was good - but not yet yielding the outcomes necessary to achieve a 'good' rating.

"We have now moved to the Progress 8 system and the goal posts have shifted so it is more difficult to maintain a high Ofsted rating.

"There were a lot of real positives identified by Ofsted - students feel safe, are well looked after and bullying is extremely low. However there is a plan is in action to address the issues raised."