A REDDITCH school has been placed in special measures following a damning Ofsted inspection carried out last month.

Kingsley College was judged as “inadequate” for its overall effectiveness as well as its capacity for improvement.

In the report HM Inspector Michael Farrell said: “It is failing to give its pupils an acceptable standard of education and the persons responsible are not demonstrating the capacity to secure the necessary improvement.

“Students' academic attainment is too low. Standards in English are declining and other skills relating to students' future economic well-being are inadequate.

“There are some good lessons, but too often the pace is too slow, lesson activities are not challenging enough, and students are insufficiently encouraged to participate.”

The report added that the college, a specialist performing arts school formed in 2001 as part of the amalgamation of three high schools, does have some strengths.

Mr Farrell said: “It has a warm and welcoming ethos and students are courteous and caring because staff are exemplary models of courtesy and respect.

He also added that Stephen Brownlow, the college’s new headteacher who started in September, has acted to identify weaknesses but it is too early to see the impact.

A number of areas for improvement were given including raising the quality of teaching and the curriculum and improving the effectiveness of leadership and management.

Mr Brownlow said: “The outcome of this Ofsted report has provided us with valuable guidelines, which we will follow to ensure we move, and continue to move, in the right direction.

“It is going to be hard, but by working with our governing body, students, parents/carers and Worcestershire County Council, we are confident we can move out of special measures and establish ourselves as one of the best schools in the area.

“Ensuring our students receive the best possible educational experience is of paramount importance to us.”