URGENT action is needed at a £30 million ‘super school’ after it was deemed ‘inadequate’ by Government inspectors, an MP has said.

Ofsted found teaching standards at North Durham Academy in Stanley are ‘weak’ with key stage three and four pupils failing to achieve as well as they should.

The inspection, in May, found the progress of sixth form students is ‘not good’ and requires improvement

North Durham MP Kevan Jones said: “This will be of major concern to parents and disappointing following the investment there has been in the school.

“Urgent action is needed and I will be meeting both the school and the Regional School Commissioner to see how things can be turned round.’’

North Durham Academy, was formed in 2011 following the merger of Stanley School of Technology and Greencroft Business and Enterprise Community School and operated on sites of the old schools while the former Kings Head playing fields were developed.

Students started using the £30 million state-of-the-art facility, in 2013.

The report said: “The quality of teaching over time has been weak and that is why pupils’ outcomes by the end of year 11 is inadequate.”

The school was praised for offering support to help pupils develop citizenship skills, identify education routes and career options.

The original principal, David Thornton, retired in December last year and was replaced by Kevin Reynolds, who also leads Consett Academy.

Mr Reynolds, who has written to all parents explaining he plans to address each point in the report, said: “A child’s safety and education is at the heart of all we do and the academy has many talented, caring and dedicated staff who will work tirelessly to support every child’s progress.”