A SECONDARY school near Redditch has been placed in 'special measures' following a damning Ofsted report.

Ridgeway Secondary School in Astwood Bank has been rated 'inadequate' by inspectors after they found low attendance, poor pupil behaviour and a poorly planned curriculum.

The education watchdog said "staff do not always supervise pupils properly", "pupils do not have a secure understanding of fundamental British values" and the school is place where "expectations have remained low for too long."

However the report acknowledged plans have been put in place to improve the school.

It said: "The leadership of the school has gone through a period of turbulence. Since September, the interim leadership team has quickly identified the significant weakness at the school.

"It has started to take steps to tackle these."

The report notes improvement plans are still at an early stage so its impact is yet to be seen.

The school is currently being supported by an NLE (National Leader of Education) Lee Gray, as part of collaboration between 'outstanding' Studley High School and Ridgeway, to ensure the school can make improvements.

Matthew Ball, acting headteacher of Ridgeway Secondary School said the school needs to be better.

"We must embed high expectations for all," said Mr Ball.

"The Ofsted report distinguishes the past from the present and we are excited that with new leadership and collaboration we can now improve the offer for our students and families, so that Ridgeway returns to being the school of choice for local residents.”

Claire Torrington, chair of governors at the school said: “Communities should be able to rely on their local schools to provide high quality education for all.

"With the new leadership structure and developing local collaborations, we are excited about the future at Ridgeway Secondary School and remain committed to returning the school to a Good or better OFSTED rating as soon as possible.”