DANESFIELD Church of England Middle School in Williton has been told it 'requires improvement' in all areas in its latest OFSTED report.

The schools watchdog published its findings on Monday, saying that the progress of pupils had been 'below the national average for the last two years' but said improvements were being made under the newly appointed headteacher Adam Evans and ‘plans with potential to bring about rapid improvement are now in place’.

The school was rated as requiring improvement in four areas it was rated on: effectiveness of leadership and management, quality of teaching, learning and assessment, personal development, behaviour and welfare and outcome for pupils.

The report states that 'pupils do not make sufficient progress in mathematics and writing as they move through the school', and concludes that 'pupils are not sufficiently prepared for life in modern Britain'.

The OFSTED report states: "Over time, monitoring by middle leaders has not secured good teaching, learning and assessment.

"Despite recent changes made by the newly appointed headteacher, it is too soon for these to have had sufficient impact on pupils’ progress."

The inspectors also had concerns regarding pupils attitudes in lessons and attendance.

There is however acknowledgement that the school is taking positive steps to address the issues raised.

"Staff, parents and pupils share the vision of the newly appointed headteacher, a culture of raised ambition and expectation is now evident in much of the school’s work," the report states.

It adds that new headteacher has brought stability to the leadership of the school.

"Systems and plans with the potential to bring about more rapid improvement are now in place," the report states.

Paul Rushforth, acting CEO at the Quantock Academy said: "We were delighted that inspectors recognised our rapidly improving school and while we acknowledge that there is much to do, we are proud of the education that currently takes place.

"With the support of the West Somerset Academies Trust, which the school will officially join in April 2017, we are certain that the school will soon offer outstanding provision."