THE headteacher of a secondary school has reassured parents after being ranked as requiring improvement by Ofsted last year.

Stokesley School converted to an academy in 2015, when it was rated as good by inspectors, but at its first inspection as part of the Arete Learning Trust, it was found to have deteriorated by five inspectors.

One of the report’s key findings was that "the progress, attainment and attendance of disadvantaged pupils lags behind other pupils in the school and nationally."

The report added: "Teaching is inconsistent and, consequently, current pupils’ rates of progress are inconsistent, particularly those of disadvantaged pupils and boys. The provisional outcomes for 2018 show that pupils’ progress overall, in their best eight subjects, is below the national average. Over time, disadvantaged pupils’ progress and attainment have been below those of other pupils nationally and in the school. This is because teaching does not consider the needs and barriers of these pupils. The curriculum for some of these pupils has not been well thought out."

In a letter to parents, headteacher Hannah Millett said: "We will be working specifically with our disadvantaged students and their families to help them engage more effectively with school and raise their achievement.

"Ofsted felt the quality of teaching requires improvement. In response to this, Mrs Wardle, and experienced senior leader in secondary schools is working closely with teachers to improve consistency.

"Work is already underway to launch revised assessment, feedback and homework expectations. We have started to implement improved practices and will be reviewing them between now and the end of the summer term.

"We have an ambitious vision for Stokesley School. We are committed to building an even stronger school than we had before and to use the Ofsted judgement as a springboard for change.

"We are truly appreciative of parents' support at this time."