LEADERS of Staindrop School have announced plans to move forward after their latest Ofsted report.

Inspectors found the academy required improvement when they visited the Teesdale school, on June 16 and 17.

They rated it a grade three, or ‘requires improvement’ in all four areas: leadership and management, behaviour and safety of pupils, quality of teaching, and achievement of pupils.

According to the report, results in 2014 were weaker than in previous years, which is believed to have been caused by several staff changes midyear.

It also states that some teachers were teaching subjects they were not confident in and were not well supported.

Investigators found this contrasted with previous results, as year 11 students in 2012 and 2013 had made outstanding progress and in 2011, the school had been graded ‘good with outstanding features’.

However, the report did say the school is making improvements to monitor students’ progress by having frequent reviews to measure pupils’ development.

Governors and other leaders were also commended for their guidance in helping the academy improve more quickly.

The school was praised for ensuring students are well looked after and cared for as well as the behaviour of students, which was described as “highly creditable” while students also told investigators that there is little or no bullying and they feel safe when at school.

Headteacher, Andrew Flint, said the school was already taking measures to improve and was determined to take the opportunity.

“A mixed report, one with clear messages about improvements but one which recognises that the school already has the capacity to make those improvements and is on track to do so successfully,” he said.

“The school sees this as an opportunity to ensure the highest levels of education for every young person.

“All concerned with the school are determined to seize this opportunity to meet the challenges ahead.”

The report stated that two key appointments have been made to the school’s senior leadership team which have significantly strengthened its work on improving teaching and learning.

Several new members of staff are also set to begin teaching in September in subjects including English and maths.

Mr Flint added: “We look forward to these colleagues helping us deliver further success and to enlivening still further our broad rich curriculum.

“We look forward to the results of our year 11 students in August as the first indication that we are on the right track.”